It's · life...it's · all · good.

Hello everyone!

A quick request for Hugh Panaro's web site...

If any of you have stage door or backstage photos of Hugh (from any show), we'd love to have them posted in the Gallery pages at HPN.

You can either send me a message here, at his MySpace or e-mail me at his site: admin@hugh-panaro.net

Thank you all in advance!

Paula

Just to let you all know there have been a lot of scheduling changes with the Barbra Streisnad tour. Rome and Nice are canceled, the tour will open in Zurch on June 18.

I'm adding the dates and information as it becomes available. I'm supposed to get a revised schedule from the press people sometime this week.

http://www.hugh-panaro.net/Streisand.htm

Also, a few people have asked if this tour will delay Hugh's own CD. As far as I know, it won't. Hugh and the label have both said "autumn" for the release. I'll keep you posted.

You can't imagine how excited I am about this one - two of my favorite Broadway performers together in one concert!

Hugh and Anne will be performing at Wolf Trap in Virginia on July 21. The concert, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch is "From Hollywood To The Great White Way."

I bought my ticket the day it was announced and I know a group of lovely friends will be gathering for this. It'll be like the Bucks County group...but better since many of them are bringing friends or family.

http://www.wolftrap.org/performances/show072107.html

However, if you're interested, get your ticket soon. I went to check on sales today and got this message at the on-line ordering page:

"The event you are requesting is experiencing very high demand."

I couldn't be happier!

Well, I've mentioned this on MySpace and a few other places, so I might as well say it here.

Today marks two years since I first saw "The Phantom of The Opera" on Broadway. It was the matinee. It was a mixed experience. Partly because I went in with half-a-lifetime of too-hight expectations.

The rise and fall of the chandelier were great. Awesome Carlotta (Anne Runolfsson) and Piangi (David Gaschen). I didn't care for my Christine at all (Marie Danvers) and I barely remember Raoul (John Cudia).

The Phantom was some guy named Hugh Panaro. Was he any good? I have no idea. The woman behind me chattered away through much of the show. She didn't shut up until partway through "Point of No Return." Just when I was starting to appreciate his performance, this Hugh Panaro fellow spit right in my eye.

After the show, however, I had a chance to hear him sing "You're Already There" on the "Broadway's Fabulous Phantoms" CD and I've been totally enchanted by his voice ever since.

Two years later, though, I've seen the show nineteen times and it never loses its appeal for me.

And a lot of awesome things have happened since I saw it and because I saw it. I've met some interesting people and made some great friends. So many things have happend...from the Lestat premiere to flying for the first time to see "Company" in Seattle.

And then there's that guy...Hugh Panaro. I've gotten to know him pretty well since then. He is, without question, the most beautiful person I've ever met. And I'm not talking about his looks, though he's certainly gorgeous. I admire him for his amazing talent. I love and respect him for the smart, funny, caring wonderful he is. Alice Ripley was right when she described him as a "walking heart."

But he still won't say he's sorry for spitting in my eye. Said it's my fault for sitting in the front row.

Oh, well...I still feel blessed to know him.

Now, back to working.

*****************

And don't forget, Hugh is asking for song suggestions for his CD. Let's get some ideas that aren't Broadway or pop...let's give him a chance to show off that magnificent voice. E-mail me at songs@hugh-panaro.net and I will forward them to him.

It's been almost a week, so it's time for a little update on Hugh's request for songs suggestions for his debut solo album.

We've had well over one hundred songs so far and, for the moment, I'm all caught up on forwarding them to him.

He did say his label isn't interested in Broadway songs for this CD, but the majority of songs have been...you guessed it...Broadway.

But, really, we've had people offer everything from Puccini to Ozzie.

The most requested songs are "The Music of the Night," "Con Te Partiro," "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables," and "Being Alive."

One of the more original requests is "Promise of Another Day" from "Broadway Damage."

As Hugh said, this should be an interesting experiment at least.

But, PLEASE, keep the suggestions coming...especially non-Broadway, classical, and semi-classic pieces...let's give Hugh a chance to really show off his amazing voice.

Send them to songs@hugh-panaro.net

I'll keep you updated and, in the meantime, check for the latest at http://www.hugh-panaro.net/Album.htm

(And, while you're at it, feel free to join the HPN forum...the link is on the site).

Now, I have to give a major plug to Scratch Bakery in Albany, New York.

I cannot say enough good things about this tiny, cute cafe on Madison Avenue near Washington Park. They have the best coffee I've had outside of Seattle (and y'all know I loves me some good coffee). They've got awesome grilled sandwiches, pasta salads, soups. Everything is nice and fresh...made from scratch, hence the name. They've got amazing baked goods, too. I'm madly in love with the strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting.

And, from the owner to the lady who works there on weekday evenings, the entire staff is so incredible and nice!

Check them out!

http://www.scratchbakerycafe.com/