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Behind the Scenes with the Producer
January 19, 2007
HATS! will be opening at Harrah's New Orleans next Thursday, January 25. Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen and a few others from Hatquarters will be heading
for Louisiana for opening night which will be celebrated with a post party hosted by Harrah’s for ticket holders. The following day on January 26th, Harrah's
invites Red Hatters to parade down the French Quarter to a fun tea party. Anyone who wants to participate in the parade should meet at Elysian Fields and
Chartres Streets at 1:30 pm on Friday. For show tickets, call 504-593-8008 or
click here »
January 05, 2007
In just three weeks, HATS! will be opening at Harrah's New Orleans on January 25. To celebrate after the opening night show, Harrah's is throwing a
post party for ticket holders and the next day on January 26th, Harrah's invites Red Hatters to join Sue Ellen and a few of us from
Hatquarters while we parade down the French Quarter to a fun tea party. We invite you to come join us. Call 504-593-8008 or
click for show tickets »
December 29, 2006
HATS! will temporarily hang up its hat in Denver after the New Year’s Eve "Mimosa & Matinee" Brunch to focus on the launch of its opening in
New Orleans. EQM Sue Ellen and a few from Hatquarters will be leading a "New Orleans' style parade downtown to Harrah's for the opening night
performance on January 25 which is National Kazoo Day—how appropo with the kazoo being the "official" instrument of Red Hatters! The musical will
also open in Chicago on February 11 and will reopen in Denver on March 16. Members can buy tickets now for Spring time performances in Denver. Stay
tuned to the Friday Broadcast for further details.
December 22, 2006
HATS! premieres in New Orleans on January 25th. Last week the Brand Baroness at Hatquarters, Carol Yovin, visited the "playground" of the South ~
the amazing New Orleans. She had fun as downtown came alive with the sweet sounds and amazing smells while she indulged in delectable cuisine,
shopped and played at Harrah's. Through SuperSavers Purple Perks there are 90 dining and several activities like the authentic steamboat Natchez
harbor tour and Longue Vue historical homes and garden tour, giving RHS 20% - 50% savings. Come join us in January!
December 15, 2006
HATS! will premiere in New Orleans on January 25th, 2007. Please call 504-593-8008 to purchase tickets. You will also be receiving an
invitation in the mail that will contain a special contest to win a free trip for you and your chapterettes. In Denver, the theater is offering a
special gift for the holidays offering - Purple Perks members a discounted ticket rate of $27.50 for the month of January. We want everyone to be
able to see HATS!
December 08, 2006
HATS! will premiere in New Orleans on January 25th, 2007. You will be receiving an invitation in the mail that will contain a special contest to win
a free trip for you and your chapterettes. In Denver, the theater is offering a special gift for the holidays. Purple Perks members can buy a ticket
for $27.50 for the month of January. We want everyone to be able to see HATS!
December 01, 2006
Ring in the New Year with your red hatted sisters with a special offering of "HATS!" Anyone who comes to the 1pm performance has the opportunity to have
a special brunch at the New Denver Civic Theatre starting at 11:30am. Brunch includes a French toast and omelet station, eggs, sausage, muffins, bagels,
coffee and mimosa for an additional $20. Call the box office at 303-309-3773 by December 29th to reserve your spot for brunch as well as getting your
performance tickets.
November 22, 2006
Three Canadians grabbed their red hats, jumped in the car and headed for Denver to see the new musical "HATS!" After an evening of pure belly laughs,
tears and joy, the trio journeyed to California to visit us at Hatquarters. What fun we had snapping pictures, sharing stories and hearing their
"wild adventure" to the musical. How ironic to see on stage the celebration these women experienced on the road. But the journey continues for River
City Hatters (Edmonton, Alberta) Queen Cathy Hunt, aka "Catherine The Great," and chapterette Pat Bolton, as well as Queen Noel Warren of the Red
Hatter Angels as they made plans to visit fellow Hatters from other USA chapters. Cheers for these Gutsy Gals as they enjoyed their road trip to
"HATS!"
November 17, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
HATS! is offering a new holiday schedule with additional weekend and mid-day shows. Starting Nov 29 Wed - Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2:00 pm &
5:30 pm and Sun 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Between Dec 24 and 31st adding 2:00 pm on Wed;
So ladies, Put Your Red Hat On and Get Tickets today.
MM
November 10, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
The HATS! original cast is going into studio to record the CD this Monday, November 13th. Pre-order forms will be available on
the website in one week. Stay tuned. New tickets just opened up for Denver.
MM
November 03, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Now more convenient weekend show times for “HATS! at the New Denver Civic Theatre. We added a second showing on Sundays, so now you can get
tickets for 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Additionally, with many performances sold-out to date, we have extended ticket sales for dates through the
end of the year. So, grab your chapterettes and enjoy a great outing just in time for the holidays. Call the box office at 303-309-3773 or
visit »
MM
October 27, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
"HATS!", our own Red Hat Society musical is continuing its smash opening with many shows sold-out to date! Hatters hailing from all areas in
surrounding states are taking trains, planes and automobiles to descend on Denver. Given the enthusiastic response, we are working on offering
new weekend show times and expanding ticket availability through the end of the year. Members love the musical. And apparently, so do the
theater critics!
The Denver Post's John Moore described "HATS!" as, "Event theater. It's catharsis and cake. It's a support group. It's a costume party.
It's Friday-night bowling. It's a revival. It's a rite of passage. It boasts 12 original songs, seven affectionate and accessible characters
and a big, beating heart as red as the hats worn by thousands of the Red Hat Society."
MM
October 20, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
The critics have spoken. Here is what they are saying... "HATS! is an affirmative and joyful celebration of womanhood. An untapped, ever-flowing
gold mine filled with tender moments and endearing songs... I have never seen an audience so affected in the course of watching theater. That's a
real audience emitting real belly laughs and crying real tears, dancing, singing and celebration." - John Moore, Denver Post
Last week's press event at the Denver debut resulted in extensive media coverage on the local television stations as well as local metropolitan
newspapers including the Denver Daily News and The Rocky Mountain News. National coverage included the New York Times, the New York Post,
theatrical websites and coming soon, a feature in Parade Magazine.
MM
October 13, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Staged at the New Denver Civic Theatre this past Saturday, each performance of HATS! was sold out. We had Red Hatters from all over the nation from
Canada to South Carolina., and almost all of the states in the west, plus local dignitaries and avid theater-goers that roared with laughter and
rousing applause.
On October 11, we invited the press and the composers to see the show in full color. The news media showed up to interview everyone including our
EQM Sue Ellen Cooper. Celebrities who walked the red carpet included recording artists Melissa Manchester, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sharon Vaughn, David
Freeman, Gretchen Cryer and Carol Hall.
It was amazing for us all. We're very proud of our musical. How thrilling to have a musical designed by such talented performers that was inspired by
OUR mission, experiences and our stories. Also, Harrah's announced that they will be launching HATS! in their entertainment casino in New Orleans
next January!
MM
October 06, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Its Here!
Now the excitement about "HATS!" has risen to a frenzied pitch around here! All of those directly
involved in the show (performers, director, producer, etc.) are in Denver with me, rehearsing like crazy! Lynne Taylor Corbett, the director, started
the rehearsal with the cast in full costume on stage last Wednesday. The lighting is being fine-tuned and all other finishing touches are being made.
The first performance in front of an audience is this Saturday night, with the world premiere and press party to follow on Wednesday, October 11.
The Baroness of the Brand (Carol) and the EQM Sue Ellen fly to Denver tomorrow and will be in the audience every night, from Saturday to Wednesday.
Lady Bug and others from Hatquarters are coming a bit later on. I think it's safe to say that there are a lot of excited Red Hatters in - or on their
way to - Denver right now!
What an amazing time, the producer, the director, the stars, the writers - all of these major forces whose talents have combined to create this play will
be there with bells on. This includes Kathie Lee Gifford, Melissa Manchester, Susan Birkenhead and others! If you want to get tickets, call the box office
at (303) 309-3773
So ladies, Put Your Red Hat On and Get Tickets today
MM
September 15, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Count Down! The full-scale rehearsals of our musical are going full throttle in New York.
The technical director and the sound designer from the Denver theater are flying to New York to meet with the rest of the crew.
Then, during the last week of this month the entire company travels to Denver for final rehearsals in the New Denver Civic Theater
where it premieres - in only a few short weeks! Those of you who managed to stay up 'til the wee hours on Labor Day surely enjoyed
actress Teri Ralston's performance of a song from "HATS!" on the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
The theater world is buzzing with excitement too. You can read about HATS! somewhere almost every day.
So ladies, Put Your Red Hat On and Get Tickets today
MM
September 01, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Several hundred Red Hatters were among the lucky ones to see a sneak preview of "HATS! The Musical For The Rest Of Your Life" during the first rehearsal runs in August. The best critics are among our own and we want to share some of their comments with you:
"It was wonderful! I just enjoyed it. Put you red hat on!" -- Kathryn Ullrick, Whippany, New Jersey
"It was spectacular. Better than I ever thought it would be. I related to everything! By the way, my oven is still hot!" -- Rosalie Travers, Red Birds; Brooklyn, New York
"Wow! It covers a nice broad range of life experiences. It's hilarious. The music...fantastic!" -- Barbara Mracek, Madame Butterfly; New Jersey
"Just fantastic. Sends the right message. The younger people will see there is life after 50!" -- Janet Wells, Dizzy Dames of Unknown Fame; New Jersey
"The show was awesome! A real message to many of us. Worthwhile and wonderful to see." -- Gail Blum, Hotsie Totsies; Hawthorne, New Jersey
MM
August 25, 2006
Note From The Cast Of Hats To Share With You
Dear Sue Ellen and the Red Hatters,
On July 1st, I turned 50 and the month of June was not a pretty one for me.I was completely inconsolable. Somewhere in my youth, I picked up this notion that when I turned 50 I would simply disappear. Well, a few days before my birthday, in the midst of the angst, my agent e-mailed me an audition scene to read for a new musical called "HATS!" The character description read, "Maryanne, 49.99999 years-old and not happy about it." I opened the attached file, read the scene and could not believe what I saw. There for the first time was someone expressing exactly what I felt so strongly. I instantly knew this woman as it was me! When I walked into the audition room the next day, I did something I have absolutely never done. I announced my upcoming
birthday! An actress never tells her age and I have spent the last decade cleverly guarding and masking the facts of my age to the best of my ability. Somehow, this time it just flew out of my mouth, "I am turning 50 this week!"
Well fast forward, I turned 50, and wound up having a wonderful birthday. And the amazing thing was, I woke up on July 2nd and felt oddly better. I had made it and I was somehow still here. The weight had been lifted. But the real gift was still to come. The following week I was cast in the role of Maryanne and when I arrived at the first day of rehearsal and saw this amazing group of women assembled to work on this show, I knew something magical was about to happen. Then we did a read-through of the script and heard the songs for the first time. I felt myself getting very emotional and when we got to the song "Invisible," the tears started pouring out of my eyes by the bucket full. I just couldn't stop.
Overall, the Hatters said what they saw exceeded their expectations. We producers appreciate getting feedback from those that see the sneak previews. So, we're going to make some minor changes to tweak the production before opening night in Denver.
The power of those words touched me so deeply and I was just so thrilled to be able to take this ride. It has been an amazing two weeks. I have had the chance to watch women who are a few years my senior, some of whom I have worked with in the past and others whom I have worshipped for years. These are Broadway legends who are singing and acting and dancing better than ever. They are all truly stunning and as I watch each one of them work, I am reminded of how much there is ahead for all of us. While we may get messages that tell us we are finished at 50, the truth is, as you say in your beautiful book, we are just starting.
Much love and thanks,
Cheryl Stern.
MM
August 18, 2006
Dashing To Denver - HATS! Mural Wall Unveiling
The Baroness of the Brand (Carol Yovin), your Exalted Queen Mother and I had the pleasure of flying to Denver this week to visit the New Denver Civic Theatre where "HATS! The New Musical for The Rest Of Your Life" will make its debut in October. This theater is really getting into our play - in a big (89-foot long) way! They had the entire side of the building painted bright purple, in our honor. In addition, at one end of this vast expanse, they have painted a great big HATS! logo! Sue Ellen purely because of her EQM status, was invited to put the finishing touches on the logo, filling in the period below the exclamation point. We have already arranged for members of The Red Hat Society to buy discounted tickets through the New Denver Civic Theatre. For single tickets, call (303) 309-3773 and (303) 309-6787 for group tickets.
MM
August 04, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Last Tuesday, several of us from Sibling Entertainment hosted EQM Sue Ellen and "Lady Bug" Debra Granich from Hatquarters at the first rehearsal run right here in New York City.
The royal Red Hatters were quite pleased with our first full dress rehearsal. After the show, Lady Bug told us, "It was an unbelievable experience seeing a play inspired by our RHS. I was beaming with pride during the entire musical. The actors were amazing and the music is great!"
Overall, the Hatters said what they saw exceeded their expectations. We producers appreciate getting feedback from those that see the sneak previews. So, we're going to make some minor changes to tweak the production before opening night in Denver.
Before leaving to go back to California, Lady Bug told us, “Bravo to 'Hats!' I couldn’t help keep my tears from running down my cheeks because we all have an understanding that women 50 and over are not done yet; we are just entering a new chapter in our lives. Red Hatters, Pink Hatters, non Red Hat women, young adults and men will all love the musical."
This weekend, several hundred Hatters will be among the first to see the preview performances. And I'm thrilled to report that all shows are "SOLD-OUT!"
MM
July 28, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Rehearsals have kicked into high gear. As the various musical numbers are rehearsed, the creative directors make edits and additions on the spot. As the fine-tuning takes place, the excitement level ratchets up even more. "Yes! That makes it even better!" Collaboration is so stimulating!
The little Ruby RedHat character is gradually coming to life. (Technology can be wonderful!)
Hats and boas have arrived from Hatquarters to help get the cast into the spirit of their characters.
Kathi Lee Gifford and Melissa Manchester have both stopped by to watch their songs being performed. Kathi Lee’s song reduced everyone in the company to helpless laughter, while Melissa’s song brought tears to every eye.
Scenery is being developed. Props and costumes are being designed and purchased.
The sensation around here could be compared to what one experiences on a roller coaster as the car gradually, but steadily approaches the crest before the first big z-o-o-o-m. The big thrill of our premiere is only 10 weeks away!
MM
July 21, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Casting for our musical has been completed. Myself and an associate saw the first rehearsal this past Monday, and let me tell you that the word "excited," does not begin to describe my feelings! The script and the music are just sensational together. The cast members were laughing, then crying, then laughing again! They are now talking about keeping a daily journal of putting the play together. They want to remember every step of the process because they believe that this is going to be a theatrical milestone and they are proud to be part of it!
The actresses who have been cast are really pouring their hearts into this show. They can fully identify with all of us, because they, too, have had to deal with our culture's tendency to push older women aside as we reach full maturity. Show business is notorious for this kind of thing. Roles for "older" women (even those over 40) are scarce. This is their chance to showcase their undiminished, fully developed talents for the world, and they are thrilled to get the opportunity!
MM
July 14, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
At the auditions held last Friday, July 7 and Monday, July 10, in New York I had the pleasure of experiencing the overwhelming joy embodied by Red Hatters while at the Niagara Falls and St. Louis conventions. I felt this same passion and unwavering dedication to live life without limits while watching auditions. Each woman could not be more thrilled and anxious to bring the HATS! characters to life. Three of these women were in the original cast of Steven Sondheim's ground-breaking musical, Company. One of them played the role of Sally Bowles in the first company of Cabaret. The women were hilarious, they were exciting, they were gorgeous in the many years of experience they brought to the auditioning room.
We want to let you know your own little mascot, Ruby RedHat, has secured a role in the play! This may be the first time some of us have ever had the chance to see her in person. (You know how shy she can be.)
This musical is going to be just amazing!
MM
June 30, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
It really does seem that there is magic surrounding your disorganization. We've been including tidbits about the development of our musical in every Friday's broadcast, and this one positively (Scarlet) sparkles with relevance: Noted country artist, Pam Tillis, along with co-author, Pat Bunch, has composed one of the songs for our musical. We knew all about Pam Tillis's illustrious career, but we asked for more information about Pat.
Here's what we found out: A sampling of hits written by Pat include "I'll Still be Loving You" (recorded by Restless Heart), "Wild One" (Faith Hill), "Safe in the Arms of Love" (Martina McBride), "Living in a Moment I Would Die For" (Ty Herndon), and "Baby's Gone Blues" (Reba McIntire). Pat started writing songs in her early 30's; she says it took her years to become an "overnight success." She is now 67, and this is her first time writing a song for a musical.
So, Pat Bunch exemplifies one of the Red Hat Society's mottoes: She is not dead, and she is so not done! She puts her money (in this case talent) where her mouth is! Not only is this musical for "us;" it's by "us!"!
MM
June 23, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
This week's buzz about "HATS!" has spread throughout the theatrical community - with a vengeance - and there are Tony winners, Drama Desk Award winners, and Obie winners lining up to work on our show! The selections of a costume designer and a set designer are being finalized, and casting is in progress. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Anyone who has ever been involved - even in the outer fringes - of "show biz" knows that the mix of creative talents brought to a new venture inevitably brings with it a lot of energy, excitement, and frantic activity; it's just the way things are done in that industry. Isn't it fun to realize that, in this case, all this is happening because of us? When was the last time there was a musical all about "women of a certain age?" Bet you can't think of one - and neither can we!
MM
June 09, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
The musical keeps getting bigger and better by the day. Adding an excellent country flare to our musical is a new song by Pam Tillis, which just came in. The song, "The Older the Fiddle, the Sweeter the Tune," had us all laughing and tapping! Each song just keeps getting better. We can't wait to share them with all of you. We also just started to play with how Ruby Red Hat will be added to the musical. This is going to be Fun!
MM
June 02, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
HATS! The Red Hat Society Musical: The Curtain Rises In Denver
Ladies, this show is growing bigger and bigger by the day - just like the Red Hat Society itself has done! It is difficult to overstate the scope of it: the caliber of the songs, the humor, the pathos of the script, and the technological touches. The show is going to be far bigger and far better than any of us originally envisioned!
Because of increased, more complicated production demands, as well as the need for a larger theatre, the show will now debut in October, at the New Denver Civic Theatre, in Denver, Colorado. It will not premiere at the Barter Theatre in Virginia, as originally scheduled. Those of you who purchased advance tickets from the Barter will receive refunds as well as a value-added benefit to show our thanks for your early support (and as our apology for disappointing you). You will be hearing from the Barter Theatre very soon. (And, don't worry. If you love this show as much as we think you will, it will be going out on the road.)
We believe the songs from this show are destined to become standards, at piano bars and weddings - a regular part of our pop culture. At one moment this play will touch your heart and in the next moment it will make you want to stand up and cheer out loud! The stories and spirit represented in HATS! seem larger than life. This entertaining, rousing show has the power and magic to make a positive difference in this world!
MM
May 26, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
"HATS!" – One Week Closer to the Premiere!
The first four songs which have been completed for "HATS!" We sent them to Hatquarters and now we are all jumping up and down! It has become a terrifically exciting reality for us. We literally cannot wait until this play debuts! It is going to serve as a vastly-entertaining inspiration and encouragement to everyone who is anywhere near mid-life to believe in life's possibilities and in themselves! It is going to be nothing short of electrifying!
MM
May 19, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
We are very excited to announce that all of you who are coming to "Gateway to Glitz" in St. Louis next month, will be the first to see a preview - the first anywhere - of three songs from "HATS! The Red Hat Society Musical!" We are in fast pace mode, Hold onto your hats! We have a number of fabulous artists are writing songs for our musical! Here, in alphabetical order, are a few of them: Gretchen Cryer (wrote play, "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking it on the Road"), Kathie Lee Gifford (a gifted singer and songwriter on top of all of her other talents), Melissa Manchester (Who could forget hits like "Don't Cry Out Loud," or "The Theme from Ice Castles"), Amanda McBroom (wrote Oscar-nominated song, "The Rose," recorded by Bette Midler), and Pam Tillis, winner of multiple Grammies for a stream of country hits. Wow!
MM
May 12, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
Actress/singers are auditioning, costuming is being designed, lighting and scenery is being planned and songs are being written at a furious pace by talents such as Kathy Lee Gifford and Grammy Award and Country Award winner, Pam Tillis! More names are sure to come as well as a few other insider tidbits. The phone calls between Hatquarters and New York are picking up in frequency as the excitement level continues to rise. The show promises many surprises. We wish we could bottle up the excitement that we feel and send out a few drams of it to every one of you! This is going to be an amazing event, and we are going to make history!
MM
May 4, 2006
Dear Red Hatters:
I have produced over 40 shows on and off Broadway in the U.S., in London, and in Japan. Never did I think my travels would continue into the Sea of Red Hats, a place unknown to me until my serendipitous meeting with Maxine Phillippi (Lady Maxx, Gaudess of Gaude)! Maxine's enthusiasm and complete knowledge of the Red Hat Society made for an excellent beginning to this original piece… Over the next weeks and months I will write to you on a regular basis to share news on the progress of our show - actually your show! I will take you behind the scenes to let you in on the creative steps we are taking to develop a (great) idea into a full-fledged musical experience. This high-spirited theatrical event will ensure that the world sits up, takes notice of the Red Hat Society and claps!
MM
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