April 5, 2009
DC was a “trip” in the surreal sense of the word. We had the privilege of performing for Supreme Court Justice Alito & accompanying Secret Service at The Lafayette Room of the Hay-Adams across the street from The White House. The President took residence at the Hay-Adams prior to his inauguration.
March 30, 2009
Much thanks and love to those who took the time to wish me a happy birthday and remind me that I’m one step closer to death.
Our good friends Rob and Jeanne spent some quality time with us at the house on Saturday. Rob surprised me with the pictured cookie cake. It really surprised me when he picked up the icing and personally wrote “Happy birthday to you, Jeff” in spanish. I’ve never felt more ethnic.
We celebrated Jersey-style in the foothills with family on Sunday with a polish schmorgesborg. Carol Anne and the boys continued to spoil me on Monday with all my fav’s. Jeanne returned again on Tuesday with more ethnicity in the form of a birthday card and gift certificate.
At a time when we feel forsaken by many friends and colleagues, you all made a big, bright birthday difference. Thank you. Best wishes and blessings to all.
November 21, 2008
Original Music, Original Theatre
Jeff Hartman meets Molly Bass
HICKORY – The email said, “This is all new stuff, so you would be able to add and help with the music process… you can create the combo and make the music your own, in your style!” For an original music advocate and musical director, this was like dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit!
Hickory’s own Jeff Hartman has been touring and promoting original music professionally for 15 years. Teaming up the award-winning music director with award-winning artistic director Pam Livingstone and award-winning playwright Molly Bass at Hickory Theatre for an original musical made perfect sense.
“All music and theatre is original at some point. Putting a local, personal stamp on it is what turns me on.”
Hartman is also an accomplished actor having most recently portrayed director Roger DeBris in HCT’s production of “The Producers.”
“I struggled many years choosing which road to make a heavier commitment to. What persuaded me to take a more serious music plunge was the difference between being myself and pretending to be somebody else. As an actor, you’re provided the lines and given the direction. There are personal, truthful elements you have to bring to each character, but it still isn’t something you can absolutely call your own. Henceforth, when the time came to balance others’ material with my own, I came back to the same notion of being myself vs. pretending to be somebody else. Therein lies the ultimate resource for developing your own music and style. An original musical like Molly’s allows someone like me to work the best of both worlds.
“Some local artists are a prime example of what not to do. Molly Bass a prime example of what to do. What’s missing from most artists these days is themselves. There are no risks. It’s recycled. In my experience, what pitfalls artists often go through has nothing to do with anything! It all boils down to involving yourself in a project or a situation that you honestly believe in; that’s going to involve investing a serious amount of time and taking an ample amount of risks. One of the keys to my success has been keeping things simple, willingness to travel, consistency, setting short and long-term goals and taking risks along the way. It’s huge to be able to say that there’s a time and place for a project like this to manifest in Hickory.
“Collaborating with Pam and Molly is a pleasure. We’ve been tweaking, rewriting and rearranging almost everyday since auditions. Those familiar with Molly’s comedies should know she’s a good songwriter! What’s important to note is that the actors have had a hand in influencing and inspiring those changes. That’s priceless. We’ve been blessed with an amazing cast including Tim Bolick in the lead role of Steve.”
“Christmas Eve with Steve” is a new, original musical comedy written for the entire family by Molly Bass. Steve is disenchanted with Christmas, but discovers its true meaning on one magical, crazy night when the coach drags him out of the video store and back to church for a special, and especially hysterical, Christmas Eve service. Santa Claus meets the Tooth Fairy!
Jeff Hartman is an ASU alumnus. Jeff has worked professionally as a musician for over a decade across the country, having appeared in recent years with Steely Dan and Michael McDonald at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Hartman most recently appeared at McGlohan Theatre at Spirit Square in Charlotte for the Metrolina Theatre Awards and is currently directing music for Molly Bass’s “Christmas Eve with Steve” at Hickory Theatre. He earned Best Actor in competition at the 2006 North Carolina Theatre Conference for his stage work in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” He is finishing his fourth studio album.
Christmas Eve with Steve
An Original Musical Performed on the Jeffers Mainstage
Hickory Theatre
30 Third St. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-3855
hickorytheatre.org
Performances:
8:00 pm Fridays & Saturdays, November 28, 29, December 5, 6, 12 & 13
7:30 pm Thursdays, December 4 & 11
2:30 pm Sundays, December 7 & 14
Tickets prices:
$16 for adults
$14 for seniors
$7 for youth and students
Thursday Night Special $12 Adult/Senior Tickets
Group rates available. Please call for details. 828-328-2283
God bless you and thank you for supporting performing arts.
Connect with Jeff Hartman Online at?jshartman.com
September 21, 2008
August 29, 2008
Clater Kaye Theatreworks is presenting Victor Hugo’s Les Les Misérables at the Charles Jeffers Theatre. “Les Miz” is a universal story of entrapment and redemption and has been considered one of the greatest stories ever told.
First published in 1862, Les Miz generated more excitement than any book in the history of publishing. It has been translated into nearly every language and has become one of the best-selling books in history.
Theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh brought the musical version to London and then to Broadway where it became the third longest-running show in Broadway history. In fact, since it opened on Broadway in 1987, over 400 shows have closed on Broadway.
Directed by Lesia and Robert Clater. Music direction by Jeff Hartman.
Tickets:
On sale now by calling Clater-Kaye Theatreworks at 828-294-2582 or visit claterkayetheatreworks.com for more information.
Clater Kaye Theatreworks presents Les Les Misérables
Hickory Theatre
30 Third St. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-3855
hickorytheater.org
claterkayetheatreworks.com
Performances:
7:00 pm Fridays & *Saturday, March 28 & 29
3:00 pm Sunday, March 30
*Saturday’s ticket price includes pre-show Q&A with special celebrity guests Michael Vodde and Fuschia Walker. Mr Vodde starred in the national touring company of Les Miz’, and Ms. Walker starred on Broadway as Mme. Thenardier. She also starred as Effie in Dreamgirls and Rafiki in The Lion King.
August 29, 2008
If you’ve ever had a strange desire to see Jeff onstage in a dress, here’s your opportunity. If you’ve ever wanted to see an amazing production, this is your opportunity. Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” opens September 5 in the Charles E. Jeffers Theatre at HCT.
You can order tickets online and choose your own seats by visiting hickorytheater.org. Special promotions and group rates are available! God bless you and thank you for supporting performing arts!
The Producers
A Musical Performed on the Mainstage
Charles E. Jeffers Theatre
30 Third St. NW
Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-3855
hickorytheater.org
Performances:
8:00 pm Fridays & Saturdays, September 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20
7:30 pm Thursdays, September 11 & 18
2:30 pm Sundays, September 14 & 21
