This blog goes out to Matthew, my young friend, first row center of the audience tonight. For those of you who weren’t there, Matthew is eight years old and a ventriloquist. A good friend once told me, “I don’t have to see someone perform to know immediately if they are good.” Although I don’t think that is a rule every time, I know what he meant. Some times you just know, there is something that one artist senses about another. Matthew I felt that from you tonight. Thanks for coming to my show and thanks for staying around for the talk back. SQUEAKY enjoyed answering your question.

Here is my real advice to you, find your passion, learn all you can about it and follow where it leads. No matter what you end up doing your passion will make you a success.

There is only one secret to ventriloquism, or any other art. Practice. Fall in love with practice. If you are a performer fall in love with rehearsals. I promise you will spend more time rehearsing than you will performing, if you do it right. A person once asked a famous artist how long it took him to paint a picture. He said, “At least one hundred thousand strokes of the brush”. He counted every time he put a brush to canvas over his lifetime.

A shout out to Mr. S. Thank you for believing and thank you for the virtual hug. I am very blessed by your participation in this journey. It is an exciting ride and enjoyed more when shared with people like you.

And to Susan. You are an angel. The room lights up when you enter. The world is a better place because you are in it. Thank you for coming to my talk back. You have no idea how grateful we are to have your support.
As your were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Wednesday

The past two performances have been terrific - lots of laughter throughout. We've even gotten some very long rounds of applause where we haven't really gotten them before. Every audience sees things just a little differently.

After almost two weeks our sound engineer, Bob, is back. He has been on vacation. During his time away, we had a sound man named Gary. They are both terrific. As I learned from Jay, the letter "B" is a plosive consonant. Plosive consonants cause you to move your lips - so ventriloquists will avoid them like the plague. In the show, both Nethernore and Darwin call to the sound man, using his name. They generally start with "Hey (insert name here), give me that..." Prior to Bob's vacation, both Nethernore and Darwin would call Bob by his name. It never seemed to matter, as we know that Jay can say B words (as he does during the Bob routine). However, now that Bob is back, we're aware that he has a B name. I'm not sure what changed over the course of the past two weeks. Yesterday he was referred to as "friend of Gary". Tonight, he was actually given two names. Nethernore called him "Lewis" (Bob gave Jay permission for that - we're not sure what it means) and Darwin called him "Bob". We're having a lot of figuring out who is who and exactly how many people are running sound on any given night.

Speaking of sounds - the monkey song was either made up or not remembered. Either way, I don't have an answer for you. Maybe I'll win tomorrow, but I doubt it.

Until the next one,
Wiz

There is nothing like a little rest. I love to come back on Tuesdays. My voice is ready and I never have to think about placement, the boys are always in good voice with a lot of energy. The audience was especially good tonight. What a great time we had together.

There is a grate in the middle of Times Square where 7th crosses Broadway. It is in the middle of the street, a little triangular island of concrete and metal. Traffic goes flying by on three sides. It vents something, I don’t know what, a subway, an electrical unit, whatever. It is an airway to the bowels of New York City. It emits a low tone like the biggest pipe in a pipe organ. It is constant and somewhat spooky to me. You don’t really hear it unless you are on top of that island. I like to stand there and just listen every chance I get. It truly is the city humming a lullaby to itself.

Tonight Murphy and Paul walked with me part of the way home. We stopped at that spot and just listened. Before long we were humming the same tone to ourselves. There was just something about the energy of the sound and the pace of Times Square that was magical. The weather was brisk and cool, but we just stood there listening and humming the tone. Then we harmonized with it, and it became the mantra of a monks chant in the greatest temple in the world.

Paul then said, “Look where we are.” It was a panorama of the “Great White Way” and there we were, on Broadway. We just left our theater and were about to go our separate ways. However, not before we connected with George M and every other actor, dancer, musician, singer, writer, producer and ventriloquist who ever had a dream to perform in a Broadway theater. It was overwhelming.

There is just something about New York. It lives, it breathes and tonight it kissed us on the cheek and said, “welcome”.
Thank you New York.
As you were,
Jay

Almost forty years ago, Art Sieving told me to do the “best show you can every time” and “you’ll do alright”. I think I have been caught up in the error that this advice isn’t enough. I have been tricked into believing that there is something else I am not doing.

A good friend told me months ago that this show was a spiritual journey for me. Perhaps that is what I am trying to understand. I am just an old modern day necromancer plying the art. The spiritual roots of ventriloquism still run deep. Perhaps this is what drew me to this unique form of entertainment to begin with.

It dawned on me today that I can’t do anything more to make this show a financial hit. I continue to do the interviews and promos that are given me to do. The Two and Only is the second best rated show just behind Jersey Boys in the New York Times reader poll. We have the best PR firm, the best advertising firm, the best marketing firm and the most generous and enthusiastic producers ever assembled. My directors are angels as close to me as family. My own family has loaned me to New York theater in spite of the burdens it causes them, because they believe like everyone else on this dream team.

I will always do the best show and the best interview I can do every time. That is the only power I have. I can’t make people come to the theater. I can’t make them choose my show over the others that are across the street. But I also don’t believe there is a limited number of people per night and we have to take audience from anyone else to sell out. Good gifts come with batteries included, we don’t have to steal the batteries from another show to run.

I can’t decide to do my best shows only for the sold out audience. Everyone who comes is here for a reason I have no control over. They will be affected by the show in the way that they need at the moment. All I can do is be there for the people who have chosen this night to attend.

So Rosie O’Donnell, I want you to come and see my show, not for what you can do for the show, but for what the show can do for you. That goes for anyone else who has not seen the show. I have a whole cast of imaginary (read spiritual) characters here waiting for you. Don’t come to see me or my show, come to see a mirror of your own spirit and your own passions.
As you were,
Jay

I guess I never realized that Broadway is a constant promotion. Doing the show is about the easiest thing to this venture. Last night, on my night off I was at Bloomingdales entertaining the “shoppers elite”. It wasn’t the best of conditions, but I think I got the prime location. My stage was in the fur coat section. It reminded me of my trade show days, grabbing a crowd from a moving target. However, I was delighted and actually shocked at the number of people who came to see me do my bit. They had a lot of talent through out the evening and the crowd seemed to ebb and flow as something would catch their attention. Thanks Amanda for being there and helping me through it. You know how much we appreciate your work for "The Two and Only".

I was hoping to get to hang out with some of the other cast members of the other shows. That is one of the fun perks of being on Broadway. However, there were several stages and the talent was spread out over the evening, so I didn’t really get to hang with my peers much as I wanted. I did meet Amy and her 8 year old daughter August in the make shift green room. It was actually a storeroom off a fitting area. Amy has been in “I love you, you’re perfect, now change” at the Westside Theater for six years. It was really nice to meet them.

I asked Rick Lyons from Avenue Q if the pace of promotions/ interviews every slowed. Avenue Q has been a hit now for a couple of years, you might think by now they could coast. He said it never stops and never slows. I’m not complaining, just becoming educated.

For most of the day off I am a waste of space. I am so tired after the long week and 5 show weekend it really takes 24 hours to even get the batteries to start charging again.

Of course if I have too much time away from the theater I start to obsess on the business of show business. How can we sell more tickets, get more people in the door, start paying back the producers debt? Where is our tipping-point? How long can we stay at the Hayes? Then I go into overwhelm. I am so glad that the actual experience of doing this show is so wonderful, because the bi-polar nature of the rest of the experience is daunting.

Tonight I will get to do my show again and all will be fine. The best promotion is just to do the best performance I can every time. More later TAO readers.
As you were,
Jay

The weekends go so fast, I can't tell one show from the next. Tonight I did not play fair during the Monkey song game. Darwin sang, “That’s a Plenty”. It is a song everyone knows the tune to but no one knows the name. Okay, so who said the game had to be fair?

I sometimes forget what show friends tell me they are coming. I know they think I am daffy when I look at them with surprise when I am supposed to know when they are coming.

On Satruday night two gentleman were late to see the show. They were seated in the first row after I had done most of my first bit. (I think that is the actual time they seat late comers). Well, never before have two people been so late when their seats were directly in front of the stage. The entire audience saw them coming in and sitting. For some reason I reverted back to my comedy club days and threw them a stock line. I said, “Are you guys okay? Can we get you something… like a watch maybe?” It was only after the show that I realize d this was my ventriloquist friend Mark Merchant and the brother of another friend Ian Finkle. They were great about it and apologized for being late, but I was the one offering apologizes. Sorry guys, I stocked you.

I can’t tell you how much I love this theater. The people who work there are the best in the world. The ushers are wonderful. They let me hang in the lobby or in Linda’s “office” to shoot the breeze before the show. It is so pleasant to come to work. I even found out that Linda is a Texas landowner. How great is that.

The Wiz and I have a ritual every night. The way it works is this: Allen the house manager is in charge of the theater until he turns it over to the production stage manager. At that moment the production becomes the responsibility of the Wiz. When the Wiz gets the theater we give each other a “high ten”. Just before I take my place I say, “Good show gentlemen” to Joe the electrician and Doug the carpenter. Tonight the reply was “holy shit” as if they were totally unaware there was a show to do. Of course that is BS because they are always ready at the five-minute call. It made me laugh out loud. When we had a substitute sound man Joe made the introduction. I said hello and Joe said, “Speak up he is very hard of hearing.” How can you call this work? This is why we all went into the theater, because it was supposed to be fun. How lucky am I to get to be here. I am not sure what deity I have to thank but whom ever he or she is… Thank you.
As you were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Saturday

We had a terrific matinee today. The audience was energized and we had the time of our lives. In fact, I'm still laughing.

I usually don't write until after the second show on a two-show day, but after our great matinee, I just couldn't control myself. This posting also requires a little back story - - When I did the show both at the Atlantic and in Cambridge, I was able to call the show from a position located in the front of the house so that I could see the show from the same view as the audience. I loved that position. It allowed me to be in close proximity to the audience, enabling me to see and hear the show exactly as the audience does. I always felt a great connection to the audience from there. It's a little different at the Hayes. Here I am calling the show from backstage and have to look at it either from a monitor or "live" from the side of the stage. It's a position that I have had to get used to. Now that I'm used to it, I love it. I have a little less of a sense of the audience but a much greater connection to Jay while he is onstage. In fact, during the Squeaky scene we are no more than 6 feet or so away from each other. Over the past two days, Jay and I have had a slight difference in opinion as to the audience reaction for Nethernore's "How do you know when something is dead? There's a lull in the conversation". Today we get to that part in the show and it gets a very nice laugh. I'm looking at the stage live and suddenly see Jay and Nethernore swing around and give me the look of death! I thought for sure that I would be Nethernore's next meal. So what do I do? Laugh, of course. So we're coming up on the end of the routine and Nethernore starts to talk about the fact that he is a student at Cornell University. Last night, Nethernore said that he was a student at both Cornell and NYU. Jay and I were discussing that today. So we're at that moment in the show today and Nethernore says that he's a student at Cornell and then adds "and sometimes NYU" and once again he swings around to give me the look of death. I am defintely his next meal. But I have to say, I've never felt more connected to an actor during the course of a performance. It is one of the great things about doing a one person show. We support each other out there and do the dance together. It's a wonderful thing to be such a part of.

And the monkey song...from "Carmen". We all got it, though Joe the electrician had to tell me it was from Carmen. At least I could sing the song!

Until the next one,
Wiz

Sometimes you need to step back and look at your life in third person. That is usually called counting your blessings. I need a calculator to count my blessings these days. Just getting to do my show at the Helen Hayes is a blessing that continues to count. Every night is different as the show grows. It is never the same experience so it is like opening night every time. The fact that this experience is happening on Broadway is a fairy tale addition .

Two nights ago Lucie Arnaz comes to see my show. She comes back stage to sign my guest book and I end up having drinks after the show with her Sandi, Murphy and Paul. It is great fun. I love Lucie, and I am sure she has never heard that before.

Lucie sent an email blast to all in her address book telling them to come and see my show. Thank you Lucie. You are the best.

The next night Dan Costellano came back stage after the show. I am a huge fan of Dan. It is not often Homer Simpson himself comes to see you. Not to mention, Barney, Krusty and all the other people that inhabit his creativity. Later that night as I was walking home I saw Joan Rivers coming out of a show. I spoke to her briefly and then said, “See you tomorrow”. It was the next morning we were doing the radio interview. That is when it dawns on me, did I have drinks with Lucie Arnaz, hang with Homer Simpson and say “See you tomorrow”to Joan Rivers?

All of this happened in the same week. Rosie I am getting closer.
As you were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Friday

What an amazing audience! We all (me too!) laughed from beginning to end. The energy in that theatre is indescribable. I've never felt anything like that.

Usually at this point in the report I would tell you about a few interesting moments from the show. But I have to do this a little backwards tonight. You'll see why. Once I get home at the end of the night I get myself a snack, start writing the performance report, and watch Letterman. I've been watching Letterman for as long as I can remember. I watched (and recorded) every episode while he was promoting Ventriloquist Week. So I am sitting at my desk writing the performance report and watching Letterman. It's a repeat of a show that was promoting Ventriloquist Week. Dave is telling Paul that Jay and Darwin will be on. There is some discussion between them about the fact that it used to be "Jay and Bob" and now it's "Jay and Darwin" - and what happened to Bob? So I continue writing the report and I turn back to the tv just in time to hear Dave say that they found out what happened to Bob...he's given it up to become a writer. OK, I've seen ALL of these shows and I do not remember this from the first time around. I had never seen this part before. Huh! So I turn back to my computer and the very next sentence I type is: "Bob said 'You got an idea? Isn't that a revolutionary thing?'" Well there you have it - Bob just may have a second career as a writer - or maybe a re-writer.

Both Bob and Darwin had me in stitches tonight. They were both just hysterical. The monkey song was not a known song - it was something that they made up. We can't count those little jazz riffs in the scoring so no one wins tonight.

Until the next one,
Wiz

It is early and I am off to talk to Joan Rivers on WOR. I was up late last night with dear friends from Dallas, reliving the days of Charlie's Place. That was a club in Fort Worth, Texas where we, Sandi and I, perfromed for a couple of years of our career.
It is a long story and probably deserves its own show some day. However, not to slack off on the responsibility of the blog, there is a clip on the website under things of interest, Me and Darwin on Late Night with David Letterman. It was quite a night. I hope you enjoy.
As you were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Thursday

We had an amazingly responsive audience tonight. I learned afterwards that there were several younger children as well as some younger people who had never been to the theatre before. I can't think of a better show to see for your first theatrical experience. For me, there isn't another one as funny, warm, touching, moving, and honest as this one. I hope you enjoyed your first evening of theatre - and I hope you've gotten bitten by the theatre "bug". We certainly loved having you here.

In honor of the Mets game tonight, we suspended the game of "name that monkey song". Instead, Jay took a special request to do "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". So on the one day I can actually name the song, the game is suspended. Just my luck!

What a great night!
Until the next one,
Wiz

The monkey song tonight was “Sherry”. Okay I think everyone scored on that one. I have been singing Frankie Valli songs all day. I went to see a matinee of “Jersey Boys” before my show tonight. The tickets are impossible to get but they were great seats procured by our company manager Scott as an opening night gift. It is a great show and no matter what you have heard about it you won’t be disappointed when you see it. It deserves every honor it has gotten. I can’t wait until our tickets are as hard to get.

Rick Lyons came to my show and talk back tonight. Rick is one of the stars of Avenue Q and creator of the Q puppets. We have been friends since we met years ago waiting for luggage at an Airport. He brought Trekie monster back stage and we took pictures. I became a little kid again seeing the wonderful craftsmanship of his puppet creations.
Thanks Rick and Tonya. I am so glad you came to see my show and stayed for the talk back. I swear we are going to have that dinner and talk puppets when we have the time.

Okay so here is a secret. I like to listen to the crowd as they come into the theater. I discovered a door off a backstage hall way that actually opens onto the lobby next to the box office. If I stand behind the closed door I can listen to people as they pick up their tickets. Although I have told myself I can predict what kind of crowd it will be by the chatter before hand, in reality it is impossible to draw a correlation. My hope still springs eternal that someday I will be able to predict the reactions.

So I have taken my position at the door trying to prove my theory when suddenly Dave comes out of the Box office. He doesn’t expect to see me and I don’t expect to see him. We both think we have seen a ghost. I am embarrassed and he is startled. The Wiz is passing through the wings down the hall and witnesses the entire thing so I cannot pretend it didn’t happen. Sorry Dave, I will find a new way to do my research.

Tonight was another talk back and I was asked a question I have never before been asked.
“When you dream do you dream of having puppets with you?” Interesting. The answer is no, but I do dream that I am separated from the cases that the puppets are in and I am trying to get to them. I must have that dream several times a month. One lady said later that this is an anxiety dream. No kidding… try being a ventriloquist on Broadway trying to make it in the this star driven, musical comedy franchise market.

Rosie O’Donnell, I am still stalking you. You will become the champion of our show. But don’t wait too long before Oprah beats you to it.
As you were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Wednesday

To quote Darwin "What a crowd! Hot dang what a night!" What a fun night we had this evening. I've done nearly 200 performances of this show and I could hear laughter and responses where we've never gotten it before. Thank you, audience, for making this a fun, unique experience.

FINALLY we won "name that monkey song". I was all ready for a tv theme song, but Jay went to see the matinee of "Jersey Boys" today, so I guessed that maybe it would be a Frankie Valli song. I was right! "Sherry" was the song of the night.

In case anyone hasn't heard, we are doing "talkbacks" after the show on Wednesday night. These are always a lot of fun. It's great to hear the audiences questions and their responses to the show. If you haven't been to one of the talkbacks, I suggest you go. They are great fun and Jay always has some amazing stories to tell.

Until the next one,
Wiz

I don’t know how we can play the “monkey song game” when I can’t remember what the song is. I was pretty sure tonight it was “Take me out to the Ball Game”, but no one seems to agree on what they heard. I realize now I have to prepare for this game a little more than I have been. New York plays for keeps.

It was a rainy day and the crowd was a little water logged tonight. Joan Rivers was there, seeing the show for a second time. She has always been very nice to me, as we have crossed paths over the years. I am doing WOR radio on Friday morning with Joan. I really appreciate her giving me the time.

My next project is to get Rosie O’Donell to see the show. I connected with her at the opening night of Elaine Stritch’s act a month ago. She said she would come with her kids. She hasn’t made it yet. She will. I just think this is the kind of show that she can get behind. So Rosie if you are reading this, come this week, come tomorrow. We are waiting to take you on a ride.

I believe the show is getting better and better. I am learning more and more to get out of the way and let it flow. The more I see the show as not coming from me but through me the better it works.

On stage I talk about an “out of body” experience I had 32 years ago with Harry O’Shea. I sort of have one every night reliving that moment. I really can’t take personal credit for any part of the show. It is not false humility, it would be like a saxophone taking credit for the music it plays. There is an invisible musician performing the music through me just like the saxophone. Like I say in the show, I don’t know why I got picked to do this, but I am glad it happened.

How many hours until show time? I can’t wait that long. Please call places now.
As your were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Tuesday

It's always great to come back to "work" after the day off. I call it "work" because though it is my job, it in no way feels like "work". I have a great time and thoroughly love what I do.

But I digress. We had a terrific show tonight - full of energy and laughter.

Spaulding was right on track - which just about made my day.

Bob and Jay had a little ad lib tonight that made me laugh out loud. It all started when Jay tripped over a word. Bob told him that he had to get rest. Jay explained to him that he "got carried away", to which Bob replied "if you get carried away, my job is sucky." Once I heard that, I could not stop laughing. I'm afraid that someday you're going to hear me.

I know you're all waiting for this - Name That Monkey Song! You think you have it, right? I thought I had it, as before the show Jay and I talked about and sang several different tv theme songs. Not one made it into the show! Our electrician guessed "James Bond Theme Song". Nope. I was so busy grumbling "No! No! No!" so I didn't even guess. I do not know what TOO (The Other One) guessed. Jay thought it might be a baseball song. None of us agree with that, and Jay isn't even sure. But I am determined to win one yet. I have visited a website that has tv theme songs from the 80's, and I have been studying. I've even sent one to Jay in hopes that he tries it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Here's to another great show!
Until the next one,
Wiz

Monday night I got to present the Theater History Preservation award to the Manhattan Theater Club for restoration of the Biltmore Theater. Stewart Lane is the chairman of the Theater Museum board of trustees. The awards show was held at the Hudson Theater, itself a restored jewel box theater. I was happy to be of service since Stewart is one of my favorite Two and Only producers.

Later Sandi and I stopped by the Zipper Theater for another shindig. After the performance of “Jacque Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris” they had a party to announce the new cast album. Dan Whitten asked me to come by and use my talents as a ventriloquist to channel the departed spirit of Msr. Brel. I was happy to be of service since Dan is one of my favorite Two and Only producers.

Let me say this about “Jacque Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”. I have always loved Brel’s music. But this production takes the show to another orbit. It is always presented more like a concert of his music, but at the Zipper it is a fully realized show of really wonderful music, more like a play than anything else. If you haven’t seen it, see it soon.

I am ready to start another week at the Helen Hayes. Thanks for reading. More adventures tomorrow.
As you were,
Jay

Another week on Broadway. I am so grateful. I really have to pinch myself to realize it is all actually happening. So many people are working so hard to keep the show growing. I saw one of the ushers, John, distributing fliers to several businesses before the show. Linda, another usher, made buttons with Darwin’s picture and the caption, “Have you seen this monkey” just because she believes in the show. Paul Kreppel has actually been on the streets working the TKTS line and handing out fliers as well.

I met Larry, one of our Two and Only “evangelists” (I think the ushers call them frequent fliers) in front of the theater tonight. He has seen the show three times, twice in Boston. He keeps finding more people to bring to the show. He told me he would be back again.

Christopher was at the stage door yesterday. Christopher is an artist who came to see the show at the Atlantic Theater. I did not meet him there but I remember he sent some of his artwork back stage to me. He has been praying that the show would come back to a bigger theater. He told me his prayers were answered because here we are. I believe, too Christopher. I know there are many more supporting this show in their own way. I just feel the energy, the positive, creative spirit moving. Thank you my friends.

Two nights ago I was really under the microscope. As I looked out into the audience there were several members of the crowd with binoculars. Every time I had a character the binoculars would go up. I suppose they were trying to catch me move my lips, the ultimate compliment I suppose. I thought it was really odd, however, that several close observers would be independently at the same show. One lady was sitting in the second row already, I hope my makeup was on straight.

I will enjoy a day off but except for resting my voice, I would rather be doing the show. I cannot tell you what joy you audiences bring to this performer. Excuse me while I pinch myself again.
As you were,
Jay

The Wiz report for Sunday

It's great to be back! As Jay mentioned a few days ago, I've been feeling under the weather (literally) and going straight to bed once I get home.

Spaulding...well Spaulding has been up to his old tricks. He had been leaping into the laps of the front row, but we got that problem solved and he was fine for quite awhile. Now suddenly he's into the front row again. We test him several times before each performance and he's fine. Then we get to show time and he's doing his own thing. We've got the best minds on Broadway working on this. And as suddenly as he's started this wacky behavior, he's stopped. He was right on his mark for the evening show. We're stumped.

And there was a small victory for me with "name that monkey song". I say "small victory" not because I actually won the game, but because Jay couldn't remember what the song was. When you're as far behind as I was in the game, you'll take a win any way you can get it.

On a different, more personal note, I'd just like to say "Go Mets!"

Until the next one,
Wiz

I get a lot of questions from people who have seen the show. Since we only do talk backs once a week ( on Wednesdays after the show) and there are a lot of questions, here are some quick answers.

Walter – Real monkeys smell much worse.

Lucy - The Avenue Q joke is just that. Bob has not been messing around.

Ralph – Long John “the severed head” is definitely not your missing cousin.

Cynthia – Yes I am really married, yes very. No my wife is not open to suggestions.

Steve – Paul Krepple, my director, is not Eugene Levy. Eugene isn’t gay either.

Beatrice – A matinee means the show starts in the afternoon. I don’t do that.

Jacob – Ask your Dad before you try and make that talk.

Sigmond – Since it is the story of my life, I don’t think I copied your essay.

Wiz – Yes I know that’s the cue line. I got carried away.

As you were,
Jay

I am trying to make the “name that monkey song” game as easy as possible. I realize that the “Great Gates of Kiev” is obscure to say the least. So tonight the hint was, “Something you can’t miss.” It was a give away just to keep the game fair. The song was “Happy Birthday” in honor of Scott’s birthday. (Scott is our company manager and he gives us our checks each week. Sucking up?…. perhaps).

The Wiz didn’t get it, not even a wrong guess, surely “the other one” got it. Joe was off tonight and Bobby the sub electrician was not eligible. Even after I sang it again right after the curtain call the Wiz questioned the veracity of the tune. Paul my co-director got it right away. He wanted to know why I had copped out with an easy song.

We will consider that the Wiz is still under the weather and not one hundred percent. I am willing to call this a push and continue the game tomorrow. Here is tomorrow's hint: It is the theme from the Dick Van Dyke Show!

For those of you who are not there every night the rules of this game are actually included as part of the script of “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only”. The Wiz added the rules to the official script and… Wiz, I think you should blog those rules so the folks can play the home version.

I had a chance to visit with the house staff tonight before the show. What wonderful people. The drug of show business is the people who choose to be a part of it. The most interesting, the most gracious the most talented people you could ever meet. How did I get so lucky as to become a part of this world? Thank you gang for making me feel at home.

Several people waited outside the stage door for more than forty minutes tonight in the cold just to say hello to me. Thanks to Marsha ,Sara and Steve’s double date crew who gave up a Met’s game to hear the story of my Art. I am always flattered and honored that people would do that. I fall in love with every audience that comes to the Helen Hayes theater, but mum is the word. My wife is flying if from California tomorrow.
As your were,
Jay