Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Ana Ortiz says NO to MCDONALD'S

The award-winning Ugly Betty actress ANA ORTIZ has enough! With McDonald’s that is! So much that she wrote a letter to the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), which is the largest national Latino Civil Rights and Advocacy organization in the U.S. Her letter urged the group to not to partner with McDonald for any future events.

In her letter, Ana pointed out that slaughterhouse workers (many of whom are Hispanic immigrants) are poorly paid, usually receive no medical benefits, and face dismal working conditions. As Ana writes in the letter, "McDonald's has no regard for animals or for the people who are paid an unfair wage to kill them." To that end, she's asking NCLR to join PETA in urging McDonald's to switch to a less cruel slaughter method that would improve conditions for both chickens and workers.

You can read the rest of Ana’s letter by clicking: http://tinyurl.com/yjdxgay

Friday, November 20, 2009

A Day in the Life

This week has been a fantastic week for Brownstein and Associates clients. A record Day and so much fun!!!!!

Monday, my day started out a little bit dazzled from a late night with my client Gregory Generet www.gregorygeneret.com at his amazing show at Feinstein's at Loews Regency! His jazz is like the finest cashmere pillows...soft, comfortable and extravagant. Between his rendition of "Moondance" and the amazing "Two for the Road," my friends Jennifer Litt from 5WPR, journalist Jennifer Keil from the New York Post and my associate Tim Yates, were enveloped in his amazing sounds amongst a packed crowd that included his wife Tamara Tunie, Cicely Tyson, designer B Michael, THR columnist Roger Friedman, agent Sarah Fargo from Paradigm and many many more.

So you can imagine that when I woke up at 530 am Tuesday morning to go spin with the amazing Loi Jordan at Reebok sports club, you know it wasn't happening as changed the alarm and hit my head hard on the pillow for a "do over"

I woke up at 8 am and scurried to get ready to meet Tamara Tunie at the Wendy Williams show. We met the handsome and yummy Morris Chestnut and enjoyed "Shoe Day" on the show. Tamara rocked the house and Wendy and Tamara had a great time. I'm so proud of Wendy and hope her show continues to gain momentum. She is prepared, smart, and easy to talk. And she allows her guests to talk. She's also super fun. Give Wendy Williams the shout out she deserves for making it happen.

Simultaneously, our Broadway ingénue Saycon Sengbloh was being fitted for a dress for the opening of FELA!, November 23rd. First, she started out at Karen Sabag, then over to the lovely B Michael she went!

Then I made my way over to CNN to join Ana Ortiz at Joy Behar's show on CNN Headline News. She sat on a panel with a reporter from the NY Observer and actor Michael McKean. Ana was sharp and on it like always. She's doing some incredible work on Ugly Betty. Hilda Suarez rocks the house.

And Michael Ausiello from EW wrote the following last week about Ugly Betty:
“The Ausiello Files” '
Ugly Betty' spoiler alert: A death, a departure and a (shocking) declaration!
by Michael Ausiello

If you’re among the millions of viewers who haven’t followed Ugly Betty to its deleterious new Friday timeslot, here’s what you’ve been missing: the show’s most consistently entertaining season since its transcendent first. As I mentioned in this week’s Ask Ausiello, the fourth-year comedy is, IMHO, enjoying a helluva creative resurgence. For proof, look not further than tonight’s exceptionally funny, moving, gutsy outing. If there were any doubts that Betty has a lot of life left in her — I’m talking to you, Ken Tucker — this eppy should obliterate them. Now then, time to step off my soap box and board the spoiler train. Some teases for tonight’s hour:

* Ana Ortiz carves out an early spot on my Dream Emmy Ballot with a performance that will move you to tears and laughter. Honorable mentions go to Michael Urie, Mark Indelicato, Vanessa Williams, and America Ferrera, who has come to embody Betty so wholly that it’s easy to take her superior work for granted.Check out the complete story at: http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/11/13/ugly-betty-spoilers-deaths-departures/

Glad the fan base is growing again! Keep it going! The work IS better than ever.


But wait....a Laura Bell Bundy spotting! Yes Yes! She looks relaxed, beautiful, happy and confident. Strong and it was amazing to look at her face, give her a hug and say "Hi, it’s been a while" and let's not forget Christian Borle looked fantastic as well and he's appearing in "Mary Poppins" and loving it!!! Can't wait to see him in it. He looked really happy and settled as well. Not going to tell you where they were however or they can't go back again while she is in town LOL. For all our 11 blog followers out there! What a stampede that would make!

Jace Alexander, Maddie Corman and one of their children was there as well. Jace is an amazing director and he's responsible in part for Royal Pains on USA. Got to give a shout out to Jace. And Maddie, the older sister of my wonderful friend Noah is going to Broadway with her play Next Fall and I encourage everyone to run out and see it. It’s moving and tearful and joyous at the same time. Lessons can be learned; they just don't always come on time or on cue.

But what day would not end more perfectly if I didn’t treat myself to a three musketeers bar, a weight watchers frozen dinner, a TIVO'ed HOUSE and a new NCIS before bed. Is Spin in my future tomorrow? Only the REM's know for sure...

I miss my summer interns...

Amy

Monday, November 9, 2009

From Eden with Love

So OK, I meet celebrities and heck I'm used to it. It’s a part of my life. However, when you move over in a booth to make room for Ozzie and Sharon Osbourne something clicks inside you. It was the most bizarre moment, yet most natural as they came in on a fluke to see Eden Espinosa's show. We thought they were friends with her. It was her first concert in NY for the new show "From Eden with Love" and we publicized it the best we could but we didn't invite any celeb types. So of course, her agents and I were sure they were friends. So when they were sitting in an obstructed booth, we offered for them to come sit with us and they DID! Not only did they sit with us, but Ozzie hugged me to thank me for the better seat. We were sure they knew her, especially then when he turned to me and said, "She's hot. She's really hot!" I just nodded my head and went back to paying attention to the show. I mean this rock legend was not only sitting five inches away from me but he was giving his seal of approval to us about her voice and her concert. And they are both SO nice! Wonderful people. We still thought they were mutual friends. And then in the end, after the show, we found out that actually they were staying at the hotel and wanted to see something different, So they came down to watch Eden! How exciting it is!

"From Eden with Love” I was mesmerized by Eden's performance. The Osbourne's must have been as well as a bottle of champagne was sent over to Eden from them as congratulations. How amazing that must be for Eden. This concert is sultry, soulful, real and full of meaning. The fact that she can "perform" adds depth to her music that only someone who has performed can do. She put on a show but it was a concert that just as easily could have been in Madison Square Garden or Carnegie Hall. The direction Eden is going with this "to-be" record is a true rock album full of the melancholy and the sublime, songs of hurt feelings, hatred and of course love. She even dedicated the last song to her dad. I'm truly excited for her to go into the studio and record this concert so you can all be treated to something special - sans the Ozzy sighting of course. Some things just can't be replicated!

And everyone said goodbye tonight to the man who originated the Green Ogre on Broadway, Brian d'Arcy James. I could not be in two places at once, but could only imagine how emotional and heartfelt the show was as he slowly said goodbye and took his final curtain call. That role was truly an emotional journey for everyone in his life. And I know I talked about it last week. But everyone come and see him in Time Stands Still in January!!!!

One more piece of news - Mark Indelicato started writing a column for Fashion Week Daily. Check out his first one (http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/parties/fullstory.sps?inewsid=6642542). It’s very exciting and we are thrilled for him! Did you know he deleted his twitter account? What's going on with these celeb/actors - one minute it’s the greatest thing and the next its hell on wheels? Mark's tweets will most certainly be missed.

And for those who attended the Sunflower Gala, I want to thank my amazing staff - Tim Yates, Marti Gould Cummings, Ashley Cox, my intern Lauren and my friend Adam P Jacobs and my brother in law Peter Gewirtz for helping out. Adam got to meet his childhood crush - that of Paulina Poriskova so I think we're even. The red carpet rocked and the event on our side went super smooth. We'd love to do more celebrity wrangling and red carpet events. It’s like we were meant to mobilize and handle these types of things. Sunflower Children was very grateful. Things truly were amazing and I'm really glad that it all worked out. Except for the fact that Russell Simmons got a drink poured on him by a drunken stock broker and by the time they gave the award to Quincy Jones, the traders were so drunk and obnoxious, Quincy had to yell shut up so many times. The crowd was so incredibly rude. And when it came time to make donations, Helena Houdova poured her heart out and Russell got so frustrated, he said "I'm in for 10K" and I'm out! Then he jumped off the stage. I mean, who do these traders think they are? This is not the floor of the stock exchange. This was a black tie, classy charity event. I just thank goodness that I wasn't part of that. As far as the red carpet went and our getting the classy press there - we did and we hope that all you people googling "event planner" or "event public relations" that you find us! It was fun!

On Sunday morning, our client Gregory Generet brought his magical voice to Weekend Today in New York. Gregory performed songs from his album re)generation. As he began the first bar of Angel Eyes, the entire newsroom stood still and in awe of his melodic sounds! Even Cindy Adams, sitting in the wings, got off her mobile phone and gave her undivided attention to Gregory Generet. Gregory even closed out the show with his hot song How High the Moon. Take a look and listen: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/station/as-seen-on/Gregory_Generet_Peforms_on_WTINY_New_York.html.

Catch more of Gregory Generet at his show “Songs in the Key of ‘G’” at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency for a two nights on November 9th and 16th at 8:30 PM. He will be performing songs from the Great American Songbook as well as Contemporary Standards from his album (RE) GENERET-ION, which has received rave reviews from critics.

He has performed throughout New York City with sold-out shows at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Highline Ballroom, Joe’s Pub, and the Edison Ballroom. His debut effort has garnered much attention, including radio play across the country at stations like KKJZ-FM in Los Angeles, as well as Jonathan Swartz’s “The Saturday and The Sunday Show.”

Later Sunday, our Broadway diva, Saycon Sengbloh, who is co-starring in the highly, anticipated FELA! on Broadway, had an amazing photo shoot for the December issue of Paper Magazine (hitting stands the first week of December). Saycon joined her cast mates, Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo for this shoot. Though hair/make-up was hours late and the stylist a half hour late, the photo shoot was amazing as Saycon brought a certain sexy vibe to the shoot which was directed by photographer Rafael Rios. We are always excited for Saycon and can’t wait to see the photos selected as everyone at the shoot agreed, it’s going to be hard to pick as she’s so darn good! FELA! is getting rave reviews by its audience and we await the opening on November 23, 2009 at the Eugene O’Neil Theater.

Thanks

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Good Thief isn't just good, it’s extraordinary....

For all those theater fans that either were too young to attend, or hadn't discovered the art of the live one man performance the first time Brian d'Arcy James stepped foot on the stage to portray The Good Thief at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, one was instantly reminded last night at the Keen Company benefit what an outstanding talent Brian d'Arcy James truly is.

Now I'm not saying this because I'm his publicist, I'm saying it as a fan of true, emotionally charged theater that leaves you speechless.

My words may not be as poignant as Ben Brantley's were back in the day, or of any of the paid critics or amazing people in New York or Los Angeles who awarded Brian the first time around with incredible reviews as well as him garnering awards such as The Obie, Outer Critics Circle, the Drama Desk Awardm Backstage Garland Award and the LA Weekly Award among many others.

But this one does come straight from the heart.

When I was first introduced to the work of Brian d'Arcy James, it was after I had moved to New York and started my own company in 2003. Shortly after he was nominated for a Tony for Sweet Smell of Success and continued on through amazing shows like the off Broadway production of Apple Tree, Next 2 Normal, and Port Authority, and others... but I didn't get to actually meet him until we sat down to discuss my representing him for SHREK. Out of all of the amazing work he had done over the years he was ready to let the world know who he was behind the green prosthetics and costume that fans would soon come to know him by. After seeing The Good Thief, I completely understand. Actors may go from play to play, musical to musical and get to the point where they are sought after for all the key theater projects, but it all starts somewhere. And although by the time he did "The Good Thief" he was already starting to get a name for himself, he always said that role was and may always be "his most memorable role to date." So to look back at all the work we did together during Shrek, to know how much he put into that character and how he made this Ogre his own, it’s no surprise sitting in the theater tonight why being known as Brian, the actor behind this costume was so important. It is truly the same incredible actor that stood up on that stage tonight and took your breath away as he took us on this remarkable journey about a Thief with a heart and a soul.

Conor Mc Pherson's play has been performed numerous times. It is a piece that moves people to tears as you hear about a man who pines for his ex- love, about a "job" gone bad, a "job" that changes his life forever and leaves him with his life, or what's left of it and haunting questions that in the end would never be answered and love gone unrequited.... Of a situation he found himself in, that went completely awry.

There were funny moments, but the kind of funny when you laugh because something is ironic, or just doesn't seem fair or right. And then silence. His portrayal had the audience so quiet, even breathing couldn't be heard. It was as if the audience stopped breathing all together in complete awe, watching and listening to this sad man's tale.

Moment by Moment I wasn't sure if he was asking us, the audience for our forgiveness or for his salvation or for perhaps nothing more than he just needed someone to talk to. It seemed to be so long since he had anyone to talk to.

But talk he did for over an hour and with each hit mark, and each moment, you grew to truly ache for this man's life. The choices he made and what could have been different had he never met "Greta" she had never left him, he never took that job or ever stepped foot in the "mitchell's home."

For all of you who had something else to do, you missed a riveting performance that reminds people why they became actors and inspires those who have yet to achieve to dream, to run to the nearest class to become one.

I leave you with this, as Brian prepares to leave Shrek the Ogre behind this week (November 8th is his last performance) although I am saddened that he will no longer run outside the stagedoor of the Broadway Theater every day around the block in his Shrek costume waiving at fans as he re-enters to run down the aisle, or sing the lovely "fart song" "I've got you beat" with Princess Fiona, or makes "snothers" in the swamp, or sits for 2 hours in hair and makeup each evening, there are new pastures to farm for this actor.

And with this one night performance of The Good Thief, I am reminded that there is a lot of Brian d'Arcy James left to come...

So look forward to Time Stands Still in January at the Manhattan Theater Club with Laura Linney, Alicia Silverstone and Eric Bogosian where again, the brilliance that exists inside Brian d'Arcy James that captures audiences in costume or not proves that he is one of the defining actors of his generation.

The Good Thief - may everyone be treated to this at one time or another- may it be a PBS special in Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall...one can dream!

And yes, I do truly love my clients. May you too be lucky enough to become one....


Amy

Monday, November 2, 2009

One Door Closes and Many Open

Happy November


This is going to be a great week for Brownstein & Associates for our company and our clients. Halloween is over but I still feel great, like its Purim or something - everything is inside out, upside down and inhibitions are damned! No more hiding behind a straight laced career! We're just as creative as the creatives. And the more we let our hair down the better our work and the more excited we get to take care of the people we are entrusted to promote!

So tonight, Brian d'Arcy James revisits a role he hasn't played in years, The Good Thief. This role garnered him rave reviews, critical acclaim and an OBIE among other awards. It’s a show not to be missed. It’s one of his most memorable performances to date and on behalf of the Keen Company's Tenth Anniversary; we will all be treated to some amazing theater. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at http://www.ticketcentral.com/showdetails2.asp?showid=2207.


Brian, by the way, is ending his tour of the role of the Green Ogre SHREK on Sunday, Nov 8th. He then starts up in TIME STANDS STILL with the amazing Laura Linney, Alicia Silverstone and Eric Bogosian.

Also, that night our other client Eden Espinosa brings her successful Los Angeles show FROM EDEN WITH LOVE to Feinsteins at Loews Regency for two shows that night. This concert is going to be the basis for a new album and it’s more sophisticated, fun and definitely a wonderful time for everyone. To purchase tickets, please visit www.feinsteinsatloewsregency.com.

Then let's not forget that on Monday, November 9th and 16th, Tamara Tunie's husband and our client Gregory Generet will sing his heart out from his new album (RE) GENERET-ION at Feinstein's as well. Tickets are going fast as the publicity spreads about this emerging artist who has received rave reviews from critics!!! Get your tickets now at www.feinsteinsatloewsregency.com.

Now, here's something you can also sink your teeth into! As you know, this is the time for Philanthropy. With so many people out of work and the world going through a recession, charities are finding it extremely difficult to get the funding they need to stay afloat. And small charities do not yet have financial support from Government grants need your support more than ever. One of those charities is Sunflower Children's Charity (www.sunflowerchildren.org). This Friday night, November 6th, Sunflower Children’s Charity is hosting Monte Carlo in New York, a combination boxing match, fashion show and celebrity poker fundraiser. For as little as $100 a ticket you can get in on the action and it’s completely tax deductable. It has something for everyone! Watch Wall Streeters wanting to make a difference, duke it out between each other to raise money for this charity. And the Koch brothers - you know the big promoters in NY and Hamptons? They have been training for 3 months, eating right, not drinking to fight each other in the ring at this event. Then we have Jamie Gold the former World Series of Poker champ hosting the poker section and with celebs like Russell Simmons, Helena Houdova, Ana Ortiz, Mark Indelicato, Reshma Shetty, Tamara Tunie, Paulina Porizkova mixing it with the high rollers, we're in for an amazing time! And let's not forget that we're honoring Music legend Quincy Jones! Buy your tickets today. Visit www.sunflowerchildren.org !!!!Or make a donation!

So yes, this sounds like a newsletter....but here's a little fun tidbit for you...on Halloween I went to a brunch in the meatpacking district with Tim Kelly, Lane Carlson and some other fun cats to meet the infamous "Koch" brothers are Revel. Let me tell you, they do not disappoint and boy do they know how to throw a brunch. Vino was flying all afternoon, with great brunch and great crowd and dance on your chair music. And yes, let me tell you there was a lot of dancing on chairs. I totally forgot what it was like to be in my 20's until I got this reminder like a hard slap in the face. But instead of shying away, I got my groove on like the rest of them. But alas, my age took over and by 5 pm I was home, in bed and conked out! Oh well, I tried, but I do think someone has a photo of a rose in my hair....and I distinctly remember who has it. I must get it back. And dear, wonderful Tim was also having a great Halloween at Eva Marcille Pigford's 25th Birthday and Masquerade Party Just check out his photos on Facebook to see exactly how much! Publicists definitely know how to slam it down; we just don't do it in front of you Ha!!!

We're excited to say that Jon Stone, our former intern who I introduced to Richard Laermer at RLM, hired Jon about a month ago, and everything seems to be going well. Jon loves it so much, he sent me a plant (please G-d let me not kill it) and my team some very fun and caloric candy and popcorn! We're happy he found what he was looking for...another wonderful intern finds placement through excelling with us...Go Jon!!!

Carolanne Coviello, another success story was my former personal assistant. She is also excelling in her new job! We talk all the time and she is rocking it out as a coordinator working on nine beauty accounts and from what I understand, kicking some butt over there! And I'm so happy for her. Congrats Carolanne. Keep up the good work!

But in sad news, we say goodbye to our wonderful coordinator Ashley Cox this week. She has been there for me through thick and thin and will always be a good friend. However, after an amazing year, we, as a group, mutually decided that it was time to move on. She is going to pursue her passion of working in product placement beauty and lifestyle PR. We're sad to see her go, but know that when you get out of college, your first job is rarely your last. I mean, how many jobs have you had until you found "the career." I mean your first job is a valuable learning opportunity to experience different things, know what comes easy, what is a challenge, what you like, what you don't like and what you want out of your life. A time to be on your own for the first time, grow up a little and start to be clear about that. You learn what you are capable of and should build on your strengths and learn how to build on your weaknesses. She had a lot of fun pushing beauty products. Though I must tell you, she does do a mean red carpet! I know the clients will miss her southern charm and happy ways, but it’s time for the bird to fly away from her nest. Did you know I had 4 or 5 assistant jobs in Hollywood working for everyone from Paramount, the old Writers and Artists, ICM and Rogers and Cowan before I ended up at PMK and started my career? And that wasn't forever either. It was hard for me to find out where I fit in. But when I did and I started doing it, one day I woke up and my career was right in front of me and I never looked back. We all have to follow our own path and we know that is going to happen for Ashley too! So for all you beauty cats out there at Siren, Trachtenberg, Blue Sky and more, snatch up our Ashley Cox and you’re sure to get a winner! Bonus? She's amazing at Photoshop and PowerPoint so she's got a lot of added value. If you want more info on how to find her, give us a call!!!!

We have the Precious Premiere, the Lucky Shops Event, Theresa Rebeck's opening of The Understudy, the Jose Cuervo event and Sunflower to look forward to this week so get ready for some great blogs and lots of laughs!!

Oh and last but not least, let's welcome Rachel Miranda to the company as a new assistant. She comes from Abercrombie and Fitch in the management program. PR is her dream and we're thrilled to have her. This week is her crash course in red-carpets so if you see a cute brunette running around with Tim Yates, that's her! Ready to learn and soak up like a sponge!

And the lovely Marti Gould Cummings from Broadway Speaks Out is temping for us on and off this month and it’s a love fest. He'd make an amazing PR person if all else fails. He's been a great help and we are so happy to have him, He's doing an amazing benefit too! BD Wong just signed up for it. It’s called “A Very Mary Holiday” and we're going to help him with the PR. To purchase your tickets visit www.broadwayspeaksout.com.

Happy Week! Let's get it on!

And remember there is a rock and roller in all of you!