Friends, have you seen these. Google hamptonroads.com. When page comes
up search tsismis. When her page shows, scroll down to A rendezvous
with People's beautiful person, click on and there's our gorgeous man
in not one, not two, but three little videos. What a treat.

Thank you for thinking so highly of my reviews. Truth be told the
performance is what deserves the credit. The greater the impact of
the performance, the easier it is to recall and therefore recount. It
is easy to write about something that has touched you.


--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "lapulapu88" <lapulapu88@...> wrote:
>
> I echo Dan's and Brenda's comments. You are superior than most
critics
> from well known local and syndicated media as well as online. You
get
> us involved and experience the moments vicariousely.  Once again,
> thank you for being there for us.
>
> --- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "dannybex1" <dannybex1@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Diana,
> >
> > A GOOD book, as usual!
> >
> > I've been saying this for years and will say it again -- you could
> > easily write reviews for a living.
> >
> > I don't know HOW you can remember such minute and numerous details
> > such as the character's backgrounds, their motivations, the
> > atmosphere, the ambience etc., etc..
> >
> > Maybe you carry a digital recorder or filmed the entire show on
your
> > cell phone?  Or...more likely, you have a photographic memory.
> >
> > Plus (as Brenda suggested) you have an uncanny way of describing
not
> > only what is happening plot-wise and performance-wise, but doing
so in
> > away that transports the reader to the theater...as if we were
there,
> > sitting next to you.
> >
> > Anyway, thanks for such a fantastic review as always.  I'm so
sorry to
> > hear of your breakup, but glad to know that perhaps the play
helped in
> > some small way to help heal the pain and heartbreak you've been
> > dealing with.
> >
> > Take care,
> >
> > Dan
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "sheiswater" <sheiswater@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I apologize for taking so long to post this. I've been trying
to
> > > write a bubbly, enthusiastic review of Paolo's play to match
the
> > > witty and spunky performance I witnessed last Sunday…I keep
falling
> > > short. As I do not want anyone to think that my lack of "bubble
and
> > > enthusiasm" has anything to do with the performance itself I
have
> > > finally come to the conclusion that I have to start this review
with
> > > a disclosure… I have recently experienced a broken engagement.
Not
> > > exactly the best qualifications for an "impartial" reviewer of
a play
> > > that makes light of the trials and tribulations we all have
faced in
> > > our search for love….but then again…
> > >
> > > The opening scene takes a direct approach at introducing
characters
> > > and storyline. Through the use of an upbeat, vibrant song the
main
> > > characters are brought out on stage. Each character, along with
the
> > > song, is abruptly frozen to allow a very sassy narrator to fill
you
> > > in on who they are and what their particular situation in life
> > > happens to be. We meet Faith, portrayed by Heather Parcells, as
she
> > > obtains a partnership in acquisitions and mergers within
business and
> > > realizes it is time to focus on the "acquisition" of a personal
> > > relationship. Paolo portrays the character of Casey, who is
separated
> > > from his wife but yearning for a reconciliation, his wife
dashes his
> > > hopes by presenting him with divorce papers.  The cast is
rounded out
> > > by Hollis Scarborough who portrays Aura, the sassy friend and
> > > neighbor of Faith, and Michael Minarik who portrays Landon, an
actor
> > > that is enlisted by Faith and Aura to assist in
their "acquisition"
> > > of Mr. Right. These two performers also did an amazing job at
filling
> > > support roles (Faith's boss, a bartender, a French restaurant
maitre
> > > d', Casey's ex-wife, etc.) with a clear distinction from their
other
> > > roles.
> > >
> > > As the story progresses both Faith and Casey enter the dating
scene
> > > complete with some of the worst examples from both sides of
> > > the "dates from hell" pages. This particular vignette of scenes
had
> > > me rolling with laughter.  As Faith and Aura discuss the
miserable
> > > results of Faith's foray into the dating scene, a plan
develops.
> > > Faith's strengths are in business acquisitions, why not use
those
> > > strengths to acquire the perfect relationship?  The game
begins.
> > > Faith sets her aim on the popular TV economist…Casey Cassum.
With
> > > Aura's help they enlist the assistance of an out of work actor,
> > > Landon, to befriend said "target" and obtain "product
information".
> > > Faith visits a local establishment and connects with Casey's ex-
wife.
> > > As the play progresses the plan seems to be working quite
> > > effectively. The friendship builds between Casey and Landon,
and they
> > > go out on a double-date with Faith as Landon's date. The aim,
to
> > > catch Casey's interest by being unavailable. It works. A
few "chance"
> > > encounters later and Casey is doing his best Humphrey Bogart
> > > impression and singing "We'll Always Have Paris" in a quaint
little
> > > French Bistro!!!! (I find myself grinning from ear to ear as I
recall
> > > Paolo singing with a French accent). The play is chock full of
witty
> > > and hilarious exchanges but I was particularly pleased when the
> > > characters started having twinges of moral consciousness. Casey
> > > addresses the fact he is dating his "friend's" girlfriend
behind his
> > > back…and comes clean. Landon chooses to be a TRUE friend and
spills
> > > the beans about the "plan". And Faith… she decides she really
wants
> > > to be more like the person that she has been representing
herself as
> > > to Casey and decides that the dishonest, manipulative way she
had
> > > been behaving is not how she wants to be. She arranges for
Casey and
> > > his ex-wife to arrive at the French Bistro at the same time,
has the
> > > Matre D' deliver a note, and bows out gracefully.
> > >
> > > Of course, you can't have an unhappy ending in a comedy now can
you?
> > > Seems Aura and Landon have someone else interested in this
unique
> > > approach to dating, as long as everything is upfront from the
> > > beginning. Casey approaches Faith with the data provided to him
by
> > > Love, Inc. regarding their original "client", Faith herself.
Seems
> > > their may be hope after all.
> > >
> > > With only four cast members the success of this play hinges
squarely
> > > on all four performers creating believable characters that the
> > > audience can identify with. Heather Parcells (Faith) had a very
> > > challenging task as she had to portray a manipulative character
who
> > > totally disregards the feelings of others while still making
her
> > > likeable. She did a wonderful job of doing just that. By
providing us
> > > with a Faith that was neither mean nor cold, just totally
clueless as
> > > to the ramifications of her actions, Heather gave us the
opportunity
> > > to feel for the character while still disapproving with her
> > > manipulative and inconsiderate actions. Hollis Scarborough's
Aura was
> > > the sassy, confident, friend so eager to give advise… just the
wrong
> > > advise. But we couldn't fault her for trying to support a
friend and
> > > give her some of her bravado. Hollis brought an energy to this
role
> > > that had sassiness filling the theatre…did the lights really
kick up
> > > a notch when she came on stage or was that just her extra
sparkle?
> > > Now what can I say about Michael Minarik who portrayed the
actor who
> > > agreed to join this plot because a beautiful girl tweeked a
finger
> > > and then another footed a bill. The same character who wheedled
> > > information out of the unsuspecting Casey by pretending to be a
> > > friend. What can I say about a performer who had me so
engrossed in
> > > his character that I had forgotten, just as the character had,
that
> > > his friendship was just a hoax and that he was a only in it for
the
> > > money? BRAVO!
> > >
> > > And I have to give Michael and Paolo special kudos for the
sport
> > > spectator scene. I don't know how many times during rehearsals
the
> > > chairs went flying but I was extremely impressed that these
grown men
> > > were able to sit on the backs of, jump up and down on, and
repeatedly
> > > do "the wave" with chairs that looked like they could be folded
up to
> > > be stored back stage!!!
> > >
> > > I've left Paolo's performance to last as it was his performance
that
> > > impacted me most. From the moment he came on stage and
expressed his
> > > characters pain, I felt caught. Paolo had an extra challenge
with me
> > > for I didn't want to feel his character. I was looking for
signs that
> > > would make it unreal to me so I could keep an emotional
distance.
> > > That proved impossible…I hate to admit it but there were
specific
> > > scenes where I found it difficult to even look at Paolo for I
> > > identified so closely with the pain of his character. I know
that
> > > seems silly but I just felt so exposed at that point. Then he
had his
> > > cameo. His character was battling with a painful divorce and
this
> > > scene had him sitting at a bar singing the song "Coasting"
which
> > > refers to the task of getting through each day. Paolo sang the
song
> > > with the emotional commitment he has always provided to his
singing…
> > > his character removed a ring from his finger…and I cried.
> > >
> > > What I have to say now may seem surprising…THANK YOU, to the
cast of
> > > Love, Inc. Thank you from the bottom of a raw, but healing
heart. You
> > > see, I had a three and a half hour drive home and I wasn't
depressed.
> > > I found myself grinning as I recalled the Santa-suited, bell-
> > > ringing, "Merry Christmas" greeting representative of good
cheer that
> > > was being circled by the rest of the cast members who were
singing a
> > > very annoyed and disgruntled Christmas carol that represented
the
> > > forced cheer that I myself endured not so long ago. I came to a
> > > realization during my drive home…I'm fine. I am not bitter, I'm
not
> > > angry, and I'm not scared about tomorrow even if it does
mean "dates
> > > from hell".  ;^0
> > >
> > >   So…THANK YOU, Love, Inc. for helping me to see that perhaps
I'm
> > > ready to stop "coasting".
> > > Diana
> > >
> >
>

I echo Dan's and Brenda's comments. You are superior than most critics
from well known local and syndicated media as well as online. You get
us involved and experience the moments vicariousely.  Once again,
thank you for being there for us.

--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "dannybex1" <dannybex1@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Diana,
>
> A GOOD book, as usual!
>
> I've been saying this for years and will say it again -- you could
> easily write reviews for a living.
>
> I don't know HOW you can remember such minute and numerous details
> such as the character's backgrounds, their motivations, the
> atmosphere, the ambience etc., etc..
>
> Maybe you carry a digital recorder or filmed the entire show on your
> cell phone?  Or...more likely, you have a photographic memory.
>
> Plus (as Brenda suggested) you have an uncanny way of describing not
> only what is happening plot-wise and performance-wise, but doing so in
> away that transports the reader to the theater...as if we were there,
> sitting next to you.
>
> Anyway, thanks for such a fantastic review as always.  I'm so sorry to
> hear of your breakup, but glad to know that perhaps the play helped in
> some small way to help heal the pain and heartbreak you've been
> dealing with.
>
> Take care,
>
> Dan
>
>
>
>
> --- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "sheiswater" <sheiswater@> wrote:
> >
> > I apologize for taking so long to post this. I've been trying to
> > write a bubbly, enthusiastic review of Paolo's play to match the
> > witty and spunky performance I witnessed last Sunday…I keep falling
> > short. As I do not want anyone to think that my lack of "bubble and
> > enthusiasm" has anything to do with the performance itself I have
> > finally come to the conclusion that I have to start this review with
> > a disclosure… I have recently experienced a broken engagement. Not
> > exactly the best qualifications for an "impartial" reviewer of a play
> > that makes light of the trials and tribulations we all have faced in
> > our search for love….but then again…
> >
> > The opening scene takes a direct approach at introducing characters
> > and storyline. Through the use of an upbeat, vibrant song the main
> > characters are brought out on stage. Each character, along with the
> > song, is abruptly frozen to allow a very sassy narrator to fill you
> > in on who they are and what their particular situation in life
> > happens to be. We meet Faith, portrayed by Heather Parcells, as she
> > obtains a partnership in acquisitions and mergers within business and
> > realizes it is time to focus on the "acquisition" of a personal
> > relationship. Paolo portrays the character of Casey, who is separated
> > from his wife but yearning for a reconciliation, his wife dashes his
> > hopes by presenting him with divorce papers.  The cast is rounded out
> > by Hollis Scarborough who portrays Aura, the sassy friend and
> > neighbor of Faith, and Michael Minarik who portrays Landon, an actor
> > that is enlisted by Faith and Aura to assist in their "acquisition"
> > of Mr. Right. These two performers also did an amazing job at filling
> > support roles (Faith's boss, a bartender, a French restaurant maitre
> > d', Casey's ex-wife, etc.) with a clear distinction from their other
> > roles.
> >
> > As the story progresses both Faith and Casey enter the dating scene
> > complete with some of the worst examples from both sides of
> > the "dates from hell" pages. This particular vignette of scenes had
> > me rolling with laughter.  As Faith and Aura discuss the miserable
> > results of Faith's foray into the dating scene, a plan develops.
> > Faith's strengths are in business acquisitions, why not use those
> > strengths to acquire the perfect relationship?  The game begins.
> > Faith sets her aim on the popular TV economist…Casey Cassum. With
> > Aura's help they enlist the assistance of an out of work actor,
> > Landon, to befriend said "target" and obtain "product information".
> > Faith visits a local establishment and connects with Casey's ex-wife.
> > As the play progresses the plan seems to be working quite
> > effectively. The friendship builds between Casey and Landon, and they
> > go out on a double-date with Faith as Landon's date. The aim, to
> > catch Casey's interest by being unavailable. It works. A few "chance"
> > encounters later and Casey is doing his best Humphrey Bogart
> > impression and singing "We'll Always Have Paris" in a quaint little
> > French Bistro!!!! (I find myself grinning from ear to ear as I recall
> > Paolo singing with a French accent). The play is chock full of witty
> > and hilarious exchanges but I was particularly pleased when the
> > characters started having twinges of moral consciousness. Casey
> > addresses the fact he is dating his "friend's" girlfriend behind his
> > back…and comes clean. Landon chooses to be a TRUE friend and spills
> > the beans about the "plan". And Faith… she decides she really wants
> > to be more like the person that she has been representing herself as
> > to Casey and decides that the dishonest, manipulative way she had
> > been behaving is not how she wants to be. She arranges for Casey and
> > his ex-wife to arrive at the French Bistro at the same time, has the
> > Matre D' deliver a note, and bows out gracefully.
> >
> > Of course, you can't have an unhappy ending in a comedy now can you?
> > Seems Aura and Landon have someone else interested in this unique
> > approach to dating, as long as everything is upfront from the
> > beginning. Casey approaches Faith with the data provided to him by
> > Love, Inc. regarding their original "client", Faith herself. Seems
> > their may be hope after all.
> >
> > With only four cast members the success of this play hinges squarely
> > on all four performers creating believable characters that the
> > audience can identify with. Heather Parcells (Faith) had a very
> > challenging task as she had to portray a manipulative character who
> > totally disregards the feelings of others while still making her
> > likeable. She did a wonderful job of doing just that. By providing us
> > with a Faith that was neither mean nor cold, just totally clueless as
> > to the ramifications of her actions, Heather gave us the opportunity
> > to feel for the character while still disapproving with her
> > manipulative and inconsiderate actions. Hollis Scarborough's Aura was
> > the sassy, confident, friend so eager to give advise… just the wrong
> > advise. But we couldn't fault her for trying to support a friend and
> > give her some of her bravado. Hollis brought an energy to this role
> > that had sassiness filling the theatre…did the lights really kick up
> > a notch when she came on stage or was that just her extra sparkle?
> > Now what can I say about Michael Minarik who portrayed the actor who
> > agreed to join this plot because a beautiful girl tweeked a finger
> > and then another footed a bill. The same character who wheedled
> > information out of the unsuspecting Casey by pretending to be a
> > friend. What can I say about a performer who had me so engrossed in
> > his character that I had forgotten, just as the character had, that
> > his friendship was just a hoax and that he was a only in it for the
> > money? BRAVO!
> >
> > And I have to give Michael and Paolo special kudos for the sport
> > spectator scene. I don't know how many times during rehearsals the
> > chairs went flying but I was extremely impressed that these grown men
> > were able to sit on the backs of, jump up and down on, and repeatedly
> > do "the wave" with chairs that looked like they could be folded up to
> > be stored back stage!!!
> >
> > I've left Paolo's performance to last as it was his performance that
> > impacted me most. From the moment he came on stage and expressed his
> > characters pain, I felt caught. Paolo had an extra challenge with me
> > for I didn't want to feel his character. I was looking for signs that
> > would make it unreal to me so I could keep an emotional distance.
> > That proved impossible…I hate to admit it but there were specific
> > scenes where I found it difficult to even look at Paolo for I
> > identified so closely with the pain of his character. I know that
> > seems silly but I just felt so exposed at that point. Then he had his
> > cameo. His character was battling with a painful divorce and this
> > scene had him sitting at a bar singing the song "Coasting" which
> > refers to the task of getting through each day. Paolo sang the song
> > with the emotional commitment he has always provided to his singing…
> > his character removed a ring from his finger…and I cried.
> >
> > What I have to say now may seem surprising…THANK YOU, to the cast of
> > Love, Inc. Thank you from the bottom of a raw, but healing heart. You
> > see, I had a three and a half hour drive home and I wasn't depressed.
> > I found myself grinning as I recalled the Santa-suited, bell-
> > ringing, "Merry Christmas" greeting representative of good cheer that
> > was being circled by the rest of the cast members who were singing a
> > very annoyed and disgruntled Christmas carol that represented the
> > forced cheer that I myself endured not so long ago. I came to a
> > realization during my drive home…I'm fine. I am not bitter, I'm not
> > angry, and I'm not scared about tomorrow even if it does mean "dates
> > from hell".  ;^0
> >
> >   So…THANK YOU, Love, Inc. for helping me to see that perhaps I'm
> > ready to stop "coasting".
> > Diana
> >
>

Everyone should check out www.loveincmusical.com. The Media page
includes lots of photos of production/rehearsal/opening night. There is
plenty of other info regarding this production on this site as well.

Thanks Dan for your generous feedback. No...no photographic memory. For
proof of that, turns out I had Paolo's character's name wrong! Casey is
right...but I saw in another review somewhere that the last name was
something along the lines of Janevik? Not in the program...and though I
know it would have been mentioned in the play I guess that one did
escape me!

Diana

Hi Diana,

A GOOD book, as usual!

I've been saying this for years and will say it again -- you could
easily write reviews for a living.

I don't know HOW you can remember such minute and numerous details
such as the character's backgrounds, their motivations, the
atmosphere, the ambience etc., etc..

Maybe you carry a digital recorder or filmed the entire show on your
cell phone?  Or...more likely, you have a photographic memory.

Plus (as Brenda suggested) you have an uncanny way of describing not
only what is happening plot-wise and performance-wise, but doing so in
away that transports the reader to the theater...as if we were there,
sitting next to you.

Anyway, thanks for such a fantastic review as always.  I'm so sorry to
hear of your breakup, but glad to know that perhaps the play helped in
some small way to help heal the pain and heartbreak you've been
dealing with.

Take care,

Dan




--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "sheiswater" <sheiswater@...> wrote:
>
> I apologize for taking so long to post this. I've been trying to
> write a bubbly, enthusiastic review of Paolo's play to match the
> witty and spunky performance I witnessed last Sunday…I keep falling
> short. As I do not want anyone to think that my lack of "bubble and
> enthusiasm" has anything to do with the performance itself I have
> finally come to the conclusion that I have to start this review with
> a disclosure… I have recently experienced a broken engagement. Not
> exactly the best qualifications for an "impartial" reviewer of a play
> that makes light of the trials and tribulations we all have faced in
> our search for love….but then again…
>
> The opening scene takes a direct approach at introducing characters
> and storyline. Through the use of an upbeat, vibrant song the main
> characters are brought out on stage. Each character, along with the
> song, is abruptly frozen to allow a very sassy narrator to fill you
> in on who they are and what their particular situation in life
> happens to be. We meet Faith, portrayed by Heather Parcells, as she
> obtains a partnership in acquisitions and mergers within business and
> realizes it is time to focus on the "acquisition" of a personal
> relationship. Paolo portrays the character of Casey, who is separated
> from his wife but yearning for a reconciliation, his wife dashes his
> hopes by presenting him with divorce papers.  The cast is rounded out
> by Hollis Scarborough who portrays Aura, the sassy friend and
> neighbor of Faith, and Michael Minarik who portrays Landon, an actor
> that is enlisted by Faith and Aura to assist in their "acquisition"
> of Mr. Right. These two performers also did an amazing job at filling
> support roles (Faith's boss, a bartender, a French restaurant maitre
> d', Casey's ex-wife, etc.) with a clear distinction from their other
> roles.
>
> As the story progresses both Faith and Casey enter the dating scene
> complete with some of the worst examples from both sides of
> the "dates from hell" pages. This particular vignette of scenes had
> me rolling with laughter.  As Faith and Aura discuss the miserable
> results of Faith's foray into the dating scene, a plan develops.
> Faith's strengths are in business acquisitions, why not use those
> strengths to acquire the perfect relationship?  The game begins.
> Faith sets her aim on the popular TV economist…Casey Cassum. With
> Aura's help they enlist the assistance of an out of work actor,
> Landon, to befriend said "target" and obtain "product information".
> Faith visits a local establishment and connects with Casey's ex-wife.
> As the play progresses the plan seems to be working quite
> effectively. The friendship builds between Casey and Landon, and they
> go out on a double-date with Faith as Landon's date. The aim, to
> catch Casey's interest by being unavailable. It works. A few "chance"
> encounters later and Casey is doing his best Humphrey Bogart
> impression and singing "We'll Always Have Paris" in a quaint little
> French Bistro!!!! (I find myself grinning from ear to ear as I recall
> Paolo singing with a French accent). The play is chock full of witty
> and hilarious exchanges but I was particularly pleased when the
> characters started having twinges of moral consciousness. Casey
> addresses the fact he is dating his "friend's" girlfriend behind his
> back…and comes clean. Landon chooses to be a TRUE friend and spills
> the beans about the "plan". And Faith… she decides she really wants
> to be more like the person that she has been representing herself as
> to Casey and decides that the dishonest, manipulative way she had
> been behaving is not how she wants to be. She arranges for Casey and
> his ex-wife to arrive at the French Bistro at the same time, has the
> Matre D' deliver a note, and bows out gracefully.
>
> Of course, you can't have an unhappy ending in a comedy now can you?
> Seems Aura and Landon have someone else interested in this unique
> approach to dating, as long as everything is upfront from the
> beginning. Casey approaches Faith with the data provided to him by
> Love, Inc. regarding their original "client", Faith herself. Seems
> their may be hope after all.
>
> With only four cast members the success of this play hinges squarely
> on all four performers creating believable characters that the
> audience can identify with. Heather Parcells (Faith) had a very
> challenging task as she had to portray a manipulative character who
> totally disregards the feelings of others while still making her
> likeable. She did a wonderful job of doing just that. By providing us
> with a Faith that was neither mean nor cold, just totally clueless as
> to the ramifications of her actions, Heather gave us the opportunity
> to feel for the character while still disapproving with her
> manipulative and inconsiderate actions. Hollis Scarborough's Aura was
> the sassy, confident, friend so eager to give advise… just the wrong
> advise. But we couldn't fault her for trying to support a friend and
> give her some of her bravado. Hollis brought an energy to this role
> that had sassiness filling the theatre…did the lights really kick up
> a notch when she came on stage or was that just her extra sparkle?
> Now what can I say about Michael Minarik who portrayed the actor who
> agreed to join this plot because a beautiful girl tweeked a finger
> and then another footed a bill. The same character who wheedled
> information out of the unsuspecting Casey by pretending to be a
> friend. What can I say about a performer who had me so engrossed in
> his character that I had forgotten, just as the character had, that
> his friendship was just a hoax and that he was a only in it for the
> money? BRAVO!
>
> And I have to give Michael and Paolo special kudos for the sport
> spectator scene. I don't know how many times during rehearsals the
> chairs went flying but I was extremely impressed that these grown men
> were able to sit on the backs of, jump up and down on, and repeatedly
> do "the wave" with chairs that looked like they could be folded up to
> be stored back stage!!!
>
> I've left Paolo's performance to last as it was his performance that
> impacted me most. From the moment he came on stage and expressed his
> characters pain, I felt caught. Paolo had an extra challenge with me
> for I didn't want to feel his character. I was looking for signs that
> would make it unreal to me so I could keep an emotional distance.
> That proved impossible…I hate to admit it but there were specific
> scenes where I found it difficult to even look at Paolo for I
> identified so closely with the pain of his character. I know that
> seems silly but I just felt so exposed at that point. Then he had his
> cameo. His character was battling with a painful divorce and this
> scene had him sitting at a bar singing the song "Coasting" which
> refers to the task of getting through each day. Paolo sang the song
> with the emotional commitment he has always provided to his singing…
> his character removed a ring from his finger…and I cried.
>
> What I have to say now may seem surprising…THANK YOU, to the cast of
> Love, Inc. Thank you from the bottom of a raw, but healing heart. You
> see, I had a three and a half hour drive home and I wasn't depressed.
> I found myself grinning as I recalled the Santa-suited, bell-
> ringing, "Merry Christmas" greeting representative of good cheer that
> was being circled by the rest of the cast members who were singing a
> very annoyed and disgruntled Christmas carol that represented the
> forced cheer that I myself endured not so long ago. I came to a
> realization during my drive home…I'm fine. I am not bitter, I'm not
> angry, and I'm not scared about tomorrow even if it does mean "dates
> from hell".  ;^0
>
>   So…THANK YOU, Love, Inc. for helping me to see that perhaps I'm
> ready to stop "coasting".
> Diana
>

You are soooo welcome. Sharing always makes the experience so much more
powerful!

Diana

--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "brenda.redgrave" <brenda.redgrave@...>
wrote:
>
> Wow, great review. I actually feel as though I was there, too,
watching
> the show, such was your storytelling. Thanks so much.
>

Wow, great review. I actually feel as though I was there, too, watching
the show, such was your storytelling. Thanks so much.

I apologize for taking so long to post this. I've been trying to
write a bubbly, enthusiastic review of Paolo's play to match the
witty and spunky performance I witnessed last Sunday…I keep falling
short. As I do not want anyone to think that my lack of "bubble and
enthusiasm" has anything to do with the performance itself I have
finally come to the conclusion that I have to start this review with
a disclosure… I have recently experienced a broken engagement. Not
exactly the best qualifications for an "impartial" reviewer of a play
that makes light of the trials and tribulations we all have faced in
our search for love….but then again…

The opening scene takes a direct approach at introducing characters
and storyline. Through the use of an upbeat, vibrant song the main
characters are brought out on stage. Each character, along with the
song, is abruptly frozen to allow a very sassy narrator to fill you
in on who they are and what their particular situation in life
happens to be. We meet Faith, portrayed by Heather Parcells, as she
obtains a partnership in acquisitions and mergers within business and
realizes it is time to focus on the "acquisition" of a personal
relationship. Paolo portrays the character of Casey, who is separated
from his wife but yearning for a reconciliation, his wife dashes his
hopes by presenting him with divorce papers.  The cast is rounded out
by Hollis Scarborough who portrays Aura, the sassy friend and
neighbor of Faith, and Michael Minarik who portrays Landon, an actor
that is enlisted by Faith and Aura to assist in their "acquisition"
of Mr. Right. These two performers also did an amazing job at filling
support roles (Faith's boss, a bartender, a French restaurant maitre
d', Casey's ex-wife, etc.) with a clear distinction from their other
roles.

As the story progresses both Faith and Casey enter the dating scene
complete with some of the worst examples from both sides of
the "dates from hell" pages. This particular vignette of scenes had
me rolling with laughter.  As Faith and Aura discuss the miserable
results of Faith's foray into the dating scene, a plan develops.
Faith's strengths are in business acquisitions, why not use those
strengths to acquire the perfect relationship?  The game begins.
Faith sets her aim on the popular TV economist…Casey Cassum. With
Aura's help they enlist the assistance of an out of work actor,
Landon, to befriend said "target" and obtain "product information".
Faith visits a local establishment and connects with Casey's ex-wife.
As the play progresses the plan seems to be working quite
effectively. The friendship builds between Casey and Landon, and they
go out on a double-date with Faith as Landon's date. The aim, to
catch Casey's interest by being unavailable. It works. A few "chance"
encounters later and Casey is doing his best Humphrey Bogart
impression and singing "We'll Always Have Paris" in a quaint little
French Bistro!!!! (I find myself grinning from ear to ear as I recall
Paolo singing with a French accent). The play is chock full of witty
and hilarious exchanges but I was particularly pleased when the
characters started having twinges of moral consciousness. Casey
addresses the fact he is dating his "friend's" girlfriend behind his
back…and comes clean. Landon chooses to be a TRUE friend and spills
the beans about the "plan". And Faith… she decides she really wants
to be more like the person that she has been representing herself as
to Casey and decides that the dishonest, manipulative way she had
been behaving is not how she wants to be. She arranges for Casey and
his ex-wife to arrive at the French Bistro at the same time, has the
Matre D' deliver a note, and bows out gracefully.

Of course, you can't have an unhappy ending in a comedy now can you?
Seems Aura and Landon have someone else interested in this unique
approach to dating, as long as everything is upfront from the
beginning. Casey approaches Faith with the data provided to him by
Love, Inc. regarding their original "client", Faith herself. Seems
their may be hope after all.

With only four cast members the success of this play hinges squarely
on all four performers creating believable characters that the
audience can identify with. Heather Parcells (Faith) had a very
challenging task as she had to portray a manipulative character who
totally disregards the feelings of others while still making her
likeable. She did a wonderful job of doing just that. By providing us
with a Faith that was neither mean nor cold, just totally clueless as
to the ramifications of her actions, Heather gave us the opportunity
to feel for the character while still disapproving with her
manipulative and inconsiderate actions. Hollis Scarborough's Aura was
the sassy, confident, friend so eager to give advise… just the wrong
advise. But we couldn't fault her for trying to support a friend and
give her some of her bravado. Hollis brought an energy to this role
that had sassiness filling the theatre…did the lights really kick up
a notch when she came on stage or was that just her extra sparkle?
Now what can I say about Michael Minarik who portrayed the actor who
agreed to join this plot because a beautiful girl tweeked a finger
and then another footed a bill. The same character who wheedled
information out of the unsuspecting Casey by pretending to be a
friend. What can I say about a performer who had me so engrossed in
his character that I had forgotten, just as the character had, that
his friendship was just a hoax and that he was a only in it for the
money? BRAVO!

And I have to give Michael and Paolo special kudos for the sport
spectator scene. I don't know how many times during rehearsals the
chairs went flying but I was extremely impressed that these grown men
were able to sit on the backs of, jump up and down on, and repeatedly
do "the wave" with chairs that looked like they could be folded up to
be stored back stage!!!

I've left Paolo's performance to last as it was his performance that
impacted me most. From the moment he came on stage and expressed his
characters pain, I felt caught. Paolo had an extra challenge with me
for I didn't want to feel his character. I was looking for signs that
would make it unreal to me so I could keep an emotional distance.
That proved impossible…I hate to admit it but there were specific
scenes where I found it difficult to even look at Paolo for I
identified so closely with the pain of his character. I know that
seems silly but I just felt so exposed at that point. Then he had his
cameo. His character was battling with a painful divorce and this
scene had him sitting at a bar singing the song "Coasting" which
refers to the task of getting through each day. Paolo sang the song
with the emotional commitment he has always provided to his singing…
his character removed a ring from his finger…and I cried.

What I have to say now may seem surprising…THANK YOU, to the cast of
Love, Inc. Thank you from the bottom of a raw, but healing heart. You
see, I had a three and a half hour drive home and I wasn't depressed.
I found myself grinning as I recalled the Santa-suited, bell-
ringing, "Merry Christmas" greeting representative of good cheer that
was being circled by the rest of the cast members who were singing a
very annoyed and disgruntled Christmas carol that represented the
forced cheer that I myself endured not so long ago. I came to a
realization during my drive home…I'm fine. I am not bitter, I'm not
angry, and I'm not scared about tomorrow even if it does mean "dates
from hell".  ;^0

   So…THANK YOU, Love, Inc. for helping me to see that perhaps I'm
ready to stop "coasting".
Diana

Diana, lucky, lucky you. Please tell us all about it.

--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "sheiswater" <sheiswater@...> wrote:
>
> anybody want to hear about a show???  ;^)
>
Please post your review. Thank you for traveling to Norfolk and seeing
the show. You're a loyal friend of Paolo.

anybody want to hear about a show???  ;^)

http://www.portfolioweekly.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publi\
cations::Article&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=FB9997840D1E49C4\
8E4C7875B932D59C

http://www.your757.com/event/detail/440234815/at_a_glance

I created this cool friends network and added you to my friends network. Hit-up
now:
http://lilbitss.zoomshare.com/files/girlfriend.htm

Google "cast of "love inc", Norfolk, USA and see a video of Paolo being
interviewed with the other members of the cast. Only short, but worth a
look.

Here's another article on the show, however the author is "a little"
out of touch when it comes to Paolo's resume:

"Casey, her romantic target, is played by Paolo Montalban, last seen
as Brandy's prince charming in the ABC/Disney movie, "Cinderella."


Here's the link:

http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-tkt_loveinc_0206feb06,0,978497.story

Have fun Diana, and say hello!

Dan


p.s. I REALLY don't mean to rub this in, but it was 63 degrees here a
couple of days ago.  It only lasted a day of course, after all, it is
February...but I just couldn't resist.  :)

p.s.p.s. Friday the 13th is actually considered to be a day of good
luck in some cultures...





--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "sheiswater" <sheiswater@...> wrote:
>
> WooHoo!!! Time to arrange a road trip!!! I can't go the weekend of
> Friday 6th through Sunday the 8th, major work related event.I've been
> looking into the following weekend....anyone else get strange vibes
> about Friday the 13th, or February 14th??? ;^/
> I suppose I could take two days off of work and go in the middle of the
> week.
> The only thing I'm certain of at this point is that I'm going to be
> exploring Norfolk in February! BRRRRR!
>
> Diana
>

Diana, I would give my eye teeth to see Paolo in this show, even on
Friday 14th and in cold weather (it would be BRRRRRilliant). I would
take a chance. Please go then you can tell us all about it.

WooHoo!!! Time to arrange a road trip!!! I can't go the weekend of
Friday 6th through Sunday the 8th, major work related event.I've been
looking into the following weekend....anyone else get strange vibes
about Friday the 13th, or February 14th??? ;^/
I suppose I could take two days off of work and go in the middle of the
week.
The only thing I'm certain of at this point is that I'm going to be
exploring Norfolk in February! BRRRRR!

Diana

  In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "lapulapu88" <lapulapu88@...> wrote:
>
> http://www.loveincmusical.com/
>
> "Love, Inc." follows a young, successful business woman named Faith,
> as she attempts to make the leap into the dating scene after years of
> climbing the corporate ladder. Although successful at work, Faith
> finds herself unlucky in the business of love so she decides to take
> drastic measures... she incorporates! With the help of her
> head-turning, sassy neighbor, Aura, and an out-of-work actor, Landon,
> she sets out to change the "business of love" using basic marketing
> principals. With twists and turns right down to the very end, "Love,
> Inc" is a fast-paced, 90 minute romantic musical comedy that takes a
> modern approach to a not-so classic love story.
>

http://www.loveincmusical.com/

"Love, Inc." follows a young, successful business woman named Faith,
as she attempts to make the leap into the dating scene after years of
climbing the corporate ladder. Although successful at work, Faith
finds herself unlucky in the business of love so she decides to take
drastic measures... she incorporates! With the help of her
head-turning, sassy neighbor, Aura, and an out-of-work actor, Landon,
she sets out to change the "business of love" using basic marketing
principals. With twists and turns right down to the very end, "Love,
Inc" is a fast-paced, 90 minute romantic musical comedy that takes a
modern approach to a not-so classic love story.

I read your profile today, I thought I would drop you a line and hope to become
your friend! Check my personal page here:
http://serenit.zoomshare.com/files/friend.htm

I created this cool friends network and added you to my friends network. Hit-up
now:
http://zoylover.zoomshare.com/files/girlfriend.htm

May i wish all my friends on here a Merry Christmas and health and
happiness in the new year

I want to meet you. Give me a chance! Click here to chat with me online:
http://gfnxsw.zoomshare.com/files/chat.htm

Oh, how cool! Thank you so much for the headsup. I've wanted to see
this episode for years!

~Fel
--- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "brenda.redgrave" <brenda.redgrave@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi, me again. For those of you who haven't seen it before, just found
> this on Youtube. Rosie O'Donell/Cast of Cinderella Part 1 and 2. Part 2
> has a lovely interview with Paolo - he looks so young, but obviously it
> is about 10 years old. Enjoy.
>

it's so good to see pictures of Paolo performing. Thanks Dan. I hope
everyone is doing well and enjoying life, family, and friends. Diana

I want to meet you. Give me a chance! Click here to chat with me online:
http://angelwing.zoomshare.com/files/chat.htm

Hi, me again. For those of you who haven't seen it before, just found
this on Youtube. Rosie O'Donell/Cast of Cinderella Part 1 and 2. Part 2
has a lovely interview with Paolo - he looks so young, but obviously it
is about 10 years old. Enjoy.

Hi Fel/Dan, great to hear from you, glad you're ok. Have already seen
pics of Flower Drum Song. Just wish I could see the real thing. Has
anybody been lucky enough to. Stay in touch.

Hi Brenda (and everyone else, too!),

Fel, here. Just checking in. I'm still alive and well, lol. I just
don't get on yahoo much these days. What's new?

Any Paolo news these days?

~F
  --- In epaolo@yahoogroups.com, "brenda.redgrave"
<brenda.redgrave@...> wrote:
>
> Hello to all my friends on here, Maria, Fel, Diane, Jenna etc. How are
> you all? Would be nice to hear if you're all o.k. Has anyone any news
> on our 'Star', so quiet at the moment. Hope someone responds, it's nice
> to keep in touch and keep this Group going. Bye for now.
>