Greetings, New Year-lings:
Well, what a year 2008 was for FR.com -- definitely the year of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. The stage play, the novella and now the video program all getting rave reviews. I also had a spat of good scripts, including two with my neighbor Jeanell Suggs and one including her roommate Gladys Tamez. A new tv show idea is also ready to shop for 2009. This year included a spiffy new cd of new material, NEW HEAVEN, and one of covers, CLASSIC JACK -- both very well and widely received. It's interesting to note that my audience has increased considerably from the old days. And, at the last minute, I contributed two new songs to the world, one a Christmas song called I AM THE ONE, and another with Eva James -- it was mostly her song, so I won't give away the title, but we finished if off together and are planning both a recording and a video for early 2009. Amid many other plans for the new year, one includes putting together a live performing unit, and to this end I am announcing that I am seeking singers who also play either percussion, double-bass (commonly miscalled a stand-up bass) or fiddle for a paying gig throughout 2009 and onward. Contact information is on various pages of my site, but here's my email: fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com
I can't say much more about it yet, but stay tuned to the homesite (www.fletcherrhoden.com) and this blog for more details.
They say announcing your plans is a good way to hear God laugh, so even though the idea of amusing God is very tempting, I won't say much more about our numerous plans and releases for the new year, except that 2009 should be even better than 2008, for sure the best year yet at Fletcher Rhoden.com -- thanks to you guys!
Happy new year!
Fletcher Rhoden
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Seasons Greetings and news from Fletcher Rhoden.com
Ho ho ho there, blogmeisters and meisterbloggers, misers of either the heat or cold variety. There's much to cover and little time left in the year, so let's get to it:
Fans and friends may recall I headlined an all-day music festival at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church during our recent Holiday Bazaar. Friends like Adelina and Olaf came in with their musicians to help make it a very festive and successful event. I played a set of all covers, including a few from the new Classic Jack cd. There are some cuts from that cd on the MUSIC page of the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com I taped the gig, but I don't think the footage will ever come to much. One never does know, however.
I'll be following that up with two solos during services on Dec. 28 if anyone is interested in popping by. I'll be doing two brand new originals, both Christmas songs (besides my comical A CHRISTOPHER WALKEN CHRISTMAS single and cd, I've never really done anything seriously holiday oriented). I can't divulge the titles, but if all goes well I'll probably post at least one on the internet to be available through the PERFORMANCES page of the home site. These performances are leading up to the long-gestating live dvd release sometime in the Spring of 2009, to be marketed on Amazon.com through CreateSpace. We're planning several dvd re-releases through Amazon.com for next year in fact, so clear some space on those shelves, Fletchheads.
Speaking of dvds, the indie slasher STUMP THE BAND is doing a brisk business now that Boathouse has taken over distribution. You can buy the 7-time award winner (and 3-out-of-4 "stars" from Fangoria Magazine) at www.stumptheband.com, plus t-shirts and posters.
Christmas came early for me this year -- Midwest Book Review called the novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON "A unique and entertaining story -- well worth the read" and gave it 5-out-of-five stars on Amazon.com. Buy it there or from the publisher: www.trafford.com/07-2958 You can read the other awesome reviews on the REVIEWS page of the home site, or link to buy it through the STORE page at the home site.
There is even more big news coming, so don't miss the 2008 wrap-up next week at the fletcherrhodenblog -- thanks for helping to make 2008 the best year yet at FR.com!
Fletcher Rhoden
Fans and friends may recall I headlined an all-day music festival at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church during our recent Holiday Bazaar. Friends like Adelina and Olaf came in with their musicians to help make it a very festive and successful event. I played a set of all covers, including a few from the new Classic Jack cd. There are some cuts from that cd on the MUSIC page of the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com I taped the gig, but I don't think the footage will ever come to much. One never does know, however.
I'll be following that up with two solos during services on Dec. 28 if anyone is interested in popping by. I'll be doing two brand new originals, both Christmas songs (besides my comical A CHRISTOPHER WALKEN CHRISTMAS single and cd, I've never really done anything seriously holiday oriented). I can't divulge the titles, but if all goes well I'll probably post at least one on the internet to be available through the PERFORMANCES page of the home site. These performances are leading up to the long-gestating live dvd release sometime in the Spring of 2009, to be marketed on Amazon.com through CreateSpace. We're planning several dvd re-releases through Amazon.com for next year in fact, so clear some space on those shelves, Fletchheads.
Speaking of dvds, the indie slasher STUMP THE BAND is doing a brisk business now that Boathouse has taken over distribution. You can buy the 7-time award winner (and 3-out-of-4 "stars" from Fangoria Magazine) at www.stumptheband.com, plus t-shirts and posters.
Christmas came early for me this year -- Midwest Book Review called the novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON "A unique and entertaining story -- well worth the read" and gave it 5-out-of-five stars on Amazon.com. Buy it there or from the publisher: www.trafford.com/07-2958 You can read the other awesome reviews on the REVIEWS page of the home site, or link to buy it through the STORE page at the home site.
There is even more big news coming, so don't miss the 2008 wrap-up next week at the fletcherrhodenblog -- thanks for helping to make 2008 the best year yet at FR.com!
Fletcher Rhoden
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
New video single, MT. HOLLYWOOD (live!) now online
Greetings, brave bloggers:
Eva James joined me this weekend for the live debut of my new single, MT. HOLLYWOOD, for and about the rising Los
Angeles congregational church where we performed it (I'm a regular member there, folks.) I think the congregation really dug it -- they sang their part perfectly, I have to say. Anyone who is unfamiliar with this little progressive church really should come in and check it out 4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027. You can see the vid at the url below or at www.fletcherrhoden.com/performances.htm:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3806120/10424412
It was great to sing with Eva again -- we had a couple false starts earlier this year but we finally pulled it off. It was our first since doing the piano version of ON THE WINGS OF AN ANGEL at the same church back in January '08. But Eva and I are talking about a variety of different musical projects we may embark on together in the near future, so fans of such things should definitely stay tuned.
As promised, there's more big news coming up in November -- sick around, bloggies and Fletchophiles.
FR
Eva James joined me this weekend for the live debut of my new single, MT. HOLLYWOOD, for and about the rising Los
Angeles congregational church where we performed it (I'm a regular member there, folks.) I think the congregation really dug it -- they sang their part perfectly, I have to say. Anyone who is unfamiliar with this little progressive church really should come in and check it out 4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027. You can see the vid at the url below or at www.fletcherrhoden.com/performances.htm:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3806120/10424412
It was great to sing with Eva again -- we had a couple false starts earlier this year but we finally pulled it off. It was our first since doing the piano version of ON THE WINGS OF AN ANGEL at the same church back in January '08. But Eva and I are talking about a variety of different musical projects we may embark on together in the near future, so fans of such things should definitely stay tuned.
As promised, there's more big news coming up in November -- sick around, bloggies and Fletchophiles.
FR
Friday, October 17, 2008
New album NEW HEAVEN now online!
Greetings, interested readers:
Things are popping all over the place at Fletcher Rhoden.com, including new screenplay synopses, new music on several pages, and of course the brand new full-length album, NEW HEAVEN, accessible from the MUSIC page or the NEWS page. It's 10 new songs, all written and performed by Yours Truly, with lyrical contributions on one song from St. Paul's 2 Corinthians, 12-20, and a musical co-writing credit going to none other than Eva James. We're playing one of these new tunes at Mt. Hollywood on Sunday, Oct. 26 around 10:30 am if y'all wanna come on down to 4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027. I'm also running live entertainment at the church's Winter Bazaar on Sat. Dec. 6 and will be playing throughout the day. I'm not one for many liner notes and so forth on the cds, but since this is my blog, I'm going to sketch out a few comments or notions about each song -- you can print it out and read along as you listen at: www.fletcherrhoden.com/newheaven.htm
"One Body, One Spirit": From the great and holy scripture 2 Corinthians, 12-20, familiar to any fans of the HBO western DEADWOOD.
"Mt. Hollywood": New song for, about and dedicated to the great folks at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church. This is a deliberate aping of the Beatles, circa 1963/64. It's not an homage, I don't think, or a rip-off; I'm aping them, that's the best I can do. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
"That's Where I Wanna Be (When the Christ Comes)": The happiest song about the apocalypse and/or rapture that I'll ever write. This is one of my favorites from NEW HEAVEN, reminding me of my old jazz-rock band Dance Hall Racket and some of my work with the more-recent Eva James Band. This is actually my first collection of new recordings since the EJB ended its run in 2006.
"Former Things": Sounds like Supertramp jumping Billy Joel behind the bathroom at Disneyland, but I still like it. Based on parts of the Book of Revelation -- not the scary parts though, the happy parts.
"Tal Vez Otro Dia": I really like this one, which reminds me of "Sgt. Pepper's"-era Beatles doing an outtake from Bob Dylan's "Desire". A Mexican-style ballad of would-be lovers meeting three times over their lives. The title translates as, "Perhaps on another day" or, more commonly, "perhaps some other time."
"Bad Boy Down": You'd think on an album that's half Christian pop, a song with this title would be about the devil. Still, it's about the Good Book itself. Has a serious Steely Dan feel, which is no coincidence, with big fat swaths of Bob Dylan too. Funny how this record showcases my influences, hopefully I've done something interest or compelling with them.
"Cry A Little": I finally broke down and wrote a song about my dog, Sarah, two years gone. Every day I cry a little. I think this would be a good one for my friend Robbie Rist to cover, it has a pop ballad feel he does very well.
"Latter Rain": This one surprised me with how much it sounded like 80's-era Grateful Dead. I stopped short of the Garcia-style lead guitar though, only one of three songs that don't have guitar solos. Hey, I like to play guitar, what can I tell ya?
"Cracker Love": A Randy Newman-type song, this was the first one I recorded, back in May. This one also could have used a big Grateful Dead-type arrangement with a long, loud guitar, but it's already over four minutes and that's with no solo at all.
"Can't Fight Love": This tune incorporates a lot of musical themes used elsewhere in the collection, so it almost has a Who-ish, "Tommy"-like theatricality, like the finale of a musical. Which isn't a bad thing, I suppose.
So there you have it -- enjoy these tunes free of charge. I think you can download for free as well. I know for sure you can't pay for them (at the moment) and if you can download 'em, you can have 'em and you can share 'em, just don't sell 'em. Stay tuned to FLETCHER RHODEN.COM because there several more exciting things coming up before the end of the year. All in all, with the acclaim of the stage play AND novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON (trafford.com/07-2958), the webcast of my writing seminar WRITE MAKES MIGHT (2hip4tv.com) and a surge in hits on my internet shorts (by the tens of thousands), 2008 has been the best year ever for FR.COM -- and we're finishing it out in grand style.
Keep blogging, folks, and let's all have a little fun!
Fletcher Rhoden
Things are popping all over the place at Fletcher Rhoden.com, including new screenplay synopses, new music on several pages, and of course the brand new full-length album, NEW HEAVEN, accessible from the MUSIC page or the NEWS page. It's 10 new songs, all written and performed by Yours Truly, with lyrical contributions on one song from St. Paul's 2 Corinthians, 12-20, and a musical co-writing credit going to none other than Eva James. We're playing one of these new tunes at Mt. Hollywood on Sunday, Oct. 26 around 10:30 am if y'all wanna come on down to 4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027. I'm also running live entertainment at the church's Winter Bazaar on Sat. Dec. 6 and will be playing throughout the day. I'm not one for many liner notes and so forth on the cds, but since this is my blog, I'm going to sketch out a few comments or notions about each song -- you can print it out and read along as you listen at: www.fletcherrhoden.com/newheaven.htm
"One Body, One Spirit": From the great and holy scripture 2 Corinthians, 12-20, familiar to any fans of the HBO western DEADWOOD.
"Mt. Hollywood": New song for, about and dedicated to the great folks at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church. This is a deliberate aping of the Beatles, circa 1963/64. It's not an homage, I don't think, or a rip-off; I'm aping them, that's the best I can do. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
"That's Where I Wanna Be (When the Christ Comes)": The happiest song about the apocalypse and/or rapture that I'll ever write. This is one of my favorites from NEW HEAVEN, reminding me of my old jazz-rock band Dance Hall Racket and some of my work with the more-recent Eva James Band. This is actually my first collection of new recordings since the EJB ended its run in 2006.
"Former Things": Sounds like Supertramp jumping Billy Joel behind the bathroom at Disneyland, but I still like it. Based on parts of the Book of Revelation -- not the scary parts though, the happy parts.
"Tal Vez Otro Dia": I really like this one, which reminds me of "Sgt. Pepper's"-era Beatles doing an outtake from Bob Dylan's "Desire". A Mexican-style ballad of would-be lovers meeting three times over their lives. The title translates as, "Perhaps on another day" or, more commonly, "perhaps some other time."
"Bad Boy Down": You'd think on an album that's half Christian pop, a song with this title would be about the devil. Still, it's about the Good Book itself. Has a serious Steely Dan feel, which is no coincidence, with big fat swaths of Bob Dylan too. Funny how this record showcases my influences, hopefully I've done something interest or compelling with them.
"Cry A Little": I finally broke down and wrote a song about my dog, Sarah, two years gone. Every day I cry a little. I think this would be a good one for my friend Robbie Rist to cover, it has a pop ballad feel he does very well.
"Latter Rain": This one surprised me with how much it sounded like 80's-era Grateful Dead. I stopped short of the Garcia-style lead guitar though, only one of three songs that don't have guitar solos. Hey, I like to play guitar, what can I tell ya?
"Cracker Love": A Randy Newman-type song, this was the first one I recorded, back in May. This one also could have used a big Grateful Dead-type arrangement with a long, loud guitar, but it's already over four minutes and that's with no solo at all.
"Can't Fight Love": This tune incorporates a lot of musical themes used elsewhere in the collection, so it almost has a Who-ish, "Tommy"-like theatricality, like the finale of a musical. Which isn't a bad thing, I suppose.
So there you have it -- enjoy these tunes free of charge. I think you can download for free as well. I know for sure you can't pay for them (at the moment) and if you can download 'em, you can have 'em and you can share 'em, just don't sell 'em. Stay tuned to FLETCHER RHODEN.COM because there several more exciting things coming up before the end of the year. All in all, with the acclaim of the stage play AND novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON (trafford.com/07-2958), the webcast of my writing seminar WRITE MAKES MIGHT (2hip4tv.com) and a surge in hits on my internet shorts (by the tens of thousands), 2008 has been the best year ever for FR.COM -- and we're finishing it out in grand style.
Keep blogging, folks, and let's all have a little fun!
Fletcher Rhoden
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
New review of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella online
The first review of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is up at BookPleasures.com -- and it's a corker: "Bravissimo... Amazingly well written... the dialogue throughout was exceptionally believable..." and much more.
http://bookpleasures.com/Lore2/idx/0/3890/article/
Get your copy of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON today:
www.trafford.com/07-2958
Also available at Amazon.com
Check in with www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews.htm for ensuing reviews.
FR
http://bookpleasures.com/Lore2/idx/0/3890/article/
Get your copy of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON today:
www.trafford.com/07-2958
Also available at Amazon.com
Check in with www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews.htm for ensuing reviews.
FR
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
WRITE MAKES MIGHT seminar now online!
Happy October, everyone:
Ah yes, the traditional month of fiscal failures, yellow leaves and what we used to call Halloween. This month, I'm happy to report that the 30-minute seminar WRITE MAKES MIGHT, Stronger Structure in Storytelling, is now up and running at 2hip4tv.com. This live program, which in person can extend up to an hour including Q&A and signings, covers the 3-act structure, scene & sequel structure and much more -- using popular films to illustrate, including JAWS, THE EXORCIST, THE GODFATHER and others. DVDs are available at the 2hip4tv store. Here's the link to watch the seminar:
http://2hip4tv.com/show.php?i=NTI%3D
Interested in booking the seminar for your college or organization, or even your speakers' bureau? The WRITE MAKES MIGHT page of the home site, www.fletcherrhoden.com, will give you a choice of bureau-friendly or direct-booking pages (the two pages are not directly linked, video clips are bureau friendly).
In other news, I've finished work on my new CD, which was mentioned in this very blog some months ago. NEW HEAVEN should be available within a month or so from my website, where a few tunes will soon be posted on the MUSIC page. One of the earliest tracks, CRACKER LOVE, is already up, but it doesn't reveal much of what the cd has to offer. This disc is almost an even balance of Christian and secular pop -- five months recording time and over a year in the writing. I'd release it now, but the recent release of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON and the upcoming release of Dylan's new BOOTLEG SERIES cd set makes me think another month might be a better time to drop my new disc. Check back in about two weeks for a few more samples from what I really think is my best collection of new tunes ever. I'll post a blog with the appropriate announcements.
In other news, my new script (with Jeanell Suggs) is just about there, and a TV "back door" pilot is next in the pipeline. Some of you may have read about this in my interview with BookPleasures.com, which spread with unbelievable speed and breadth across the internet. I've done a few others (in support of my new novella, LAST TANGO WITH MARLON -- www.trafford.com/07-2958) and several outlets have reviews upcoming, including MIdwest Book Review, BookPleasures.com and some of the nation's leading university newspapers. Keep an eye on Entertainment Weekly magazine too! All will be posted on the REVIEWS page of my home site when they come out. Because many of the reviews will be in university papers (I feel many of my potential readers of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON are college students), I may not be notified when the reviews are published, so if anybody comes across one, feel free to contact me. Contact information is all over my site (see above) and I think in my blogger.com profile. At my site, you can also check out my new novella, read excerpts, follow links to the publisher's site (the book is now available at Amazon.com too) and so on.
I did also make an appearance at the West Hollywood Book Faire this past weekend -- made some new friends and spread the word of my book around, although I was not on the official roster. A big shout-out to Jim Marquez at CITIZEN L.A. and the gang at OR magazine!
Also in other news, Eva James is back in Los Angeles, but those hoping for an Eva James Band reunion will have to keep hoping for at least a while. Eva and I came close twice to gigging as a duo recently, but for various reasons it didn't happen. With both of our lives in such states of flux, it's hard to say when or if it will. To quote a certain ex-Beatle, that would be something. In the meantime, you can view some performance clips on the PERFORMANCES page of my home site, plus our video JUDGEMENT DAY on the VIDEOS page.
Speaking of videos, my much-maligned short subject spoof, GEICO.COM: CAVEMAN MEETS GECKO has handily become my most viewed on any site. In September, the cheap-o quickie averaged (on Youtube alone) 2,000 hits per week (In August, 1,500 per week, and in July about 1,000 per week and so on). Not a ton by Youtube standards, but it's far-and-away my most viewed at about 24,000 hits since last year. What's interesting is that the numbers keep increasing, whereas most of my shorts get a lot of their hits in the first six months and the average usually drops off after that. There were even a few people who posted favorable comments, although they are in the minority. Believe me, folks, I wasn't shooting for the moon on that one -- it's just a little goof I tossed together, but I'm glad it's reaching so many people. My most recent short, JURASSIC FART CLUB, also on the VIDEOS page, has started off strong, with over 1,500 hits in the first month (the animators of JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB even sent me a congratulatory email, thanking me for the laughs!) To compare, CAVEMAN MEETS GECKO's first month brought in only a few hundred hits, although it picked up steadily as the year went on.
So after you order your copy of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON from Trafford or Amazon.com, check out WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure in Storytelling at 2hip4tv.com, along with their other cool programs. Then spend some time at www.fletcherrhoden.com for a variety of amusements -- and stay tuned to this blog for additional developments in all things Fletch.
Keep blogging, everyone!
FR
Ah yes, the traditional month of fiscal failures, yellow leaves and what we used to call Halloween. This month, I'm happy to report that the 30-minute seminar WRITE MAKES MIGHT, Stronger Structure in Storytelling, is now up and running at 2hip4tv.com. This live program, which in person can extend up to an hour including Q&A and signings, covers the 3-act structure, scene & sequel structure and much more -- using popular films to illustrate, including JAWS, THE EXORCIST, THE GODFATHER and others. DVDs are available at the 2hip4tv store. Here's the link to watch the seminar:
http://2hip4tv.com/show.php?i=NTI%3D
Interested in booking the seminar for your college or organization, or even your speakers' bureau? The WRITE MAKES MIGHT page of the home site, www.fletcherrhoden.com, will give you a choice of bureau-friendly or direct-booking pages (the two pages are not directly linked, video clips are bureau friendly).
In other news, I've finished work on my new CD, which was mentioned in this very blog some months ago. NEW HEAVEN should be available within a month or so from my website, where a few tunes will soon be posted on the MUSIC page. One of the earliest tracks, CRACKER LOVE, is already up, but it doesn't reveal much of what the cd has to offer. This disc is almost an even balance of Christian and secular pop -- five months recording time and over a year in the writing. I'd release it now, but the recent release of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON and the upcoming release of Dylan's new BOOTLEG SERIES cd set makes me think another month might be a better time to drop my new disc. Check back in about two weeks for a few more samples from what I really think is my best collection of new tunes ever. I'll post a blog with the appropriate announcements.
In other news, my new script (with Jeanell Suggs) is just about there, and a TV "back door" pilot is next in the pipeline. Some of you may have read about this in my interview with BookPleasures.com, which spread with unbelievable speed and breadth across the internet. I've done a few others (in support of my new novella, LAST TANGO WITH MARLON -- www.trafford.com/07-2958) and several outlets have reviews upcoming, including MIdwest Book Review, BookPleasures.com and some of the nation's leading university newspapers. Keep an eye on Entertainment Weekly magazine too! All will be posted on the REVIEWS page of my home site when they come out. Because many of the reviews will be in university papers (I feel many of my potential readers of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON are college students), I may not be notified when the reviews are published, so if anybody comes across one, feel free to contact me. Contact information is all over my site (see above) and I think in my blogger.com profile. At my site, you can also check out my new novella, read excerpts, follow links to the publisher's site (the book is now available at Amazon.com too) and so on.
I did also make an appearance at the West Hollywood Book Faire this past weekend -- made some new friends and spread the word of my book around, although I was not on the official roster. A big shout-out to Jim Marquez at CITIZEN L.A. and the gang at OR magazine!
Also in other news, Eva James is back in Los Angeles, but those hoping for an Eva James Band reunion will have to keep hoping for at least a while. Eva and I came close twice to gigging as a duo recently, but for various reasons it didn't happen. With both of our lives in such states of flux, it's hard to say when or if it will. To quote a certain ex-Beatle, that would be something. In the meantime, you can view some performance clips on the PERFORMANCES page of my home site, plus our video JUDGEMENT DAY on the VIDEOS page.
Speaking of videos, my much-maligned short subject spoof, GEICO.COM: CAVEMAN MEETS GECKO has handily become my most viewed on any site. In September, the cheap-o quickie averaged (on Youtube alone) 2,000 hits per week (In August, 1,500 per week, and in July about 1,000 per week and so on). Not a ton by Youtube standards, but it's far-and-away my most viewed at about 24,000 hits since last year. What's interesting is that the numbers keep increasing, whereas most of my shorts get a lot of their hits in the first six months and the average usually drops off after that. There were even a few people who posted favorable comments, although they are in the minority. Believe me, folks, I wasn't shooting for the moon on that one -- it's just a little goof I tossed together, but I'm glad it's reaching so many people. My most recent short, JURASSIC FART CLUB, also on the VIDEOS page, has started off strong, with over 1,500 hits in the first month (the animators of JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB even sent me a congratulatory email, thanking me for the laughs!) To compare, CAVEMAN MEETS GECKO's first month brought in only a few hundred hits, although it picked up steadily as the year went on.
So after you order your copy of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON from Trafford or Amazon.com, check out WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure in Storytelling at 2hip4tv.com, along with their other cool programs. Then spend some time at www.fletcherrhoden.com for a variety of amusements -- and stay tuned to this blog for additional developments in all things Fletch.
Keep blogging, everyone!
FR
Thursday, August 28, 2008
New Fletcher Rhoden interview now online
A new, extensive interview with Fletcher Rhoden now online at American Chronicle, bookpleasures.com, Digg, Facebook, and other sites. The interview covers the new novella, LAST TANGO WITH MARLON and the stage play, the previous novella THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT, with mentions of the new parody JURASSIC FART CLUB and other projects. Here's one link:
www.americanchronicle.com/articles/72531
Stay tuned!
FR.com
www.americanchronicle.com/articles/72531
Stay tuned!
FR.com
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Stump the Band continues to impress
There's a nice online video review of the Rhoden-storied STUMP THE BAND, check it out:
http://www.reelzchannel.com/trailer-clips/35255/movie-up---guilty-pleasures
Stump the Band is available for purchase at Amazon.com or for rent at Netflix.com -- see the new STORE page at www.fletcherrhoden.com for direct links.
http://www.reelzchannel.com/trailer-clips/35255/movie-up---guilty-pleasures
Stump the Band is available for purchase at Amazon.com or for rent at Netflix.com -- see the new STORE page at www.fletcherrhoden.com for direct links.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella now available!
Greetings, blog readers:
The long-anticipated novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON, based on the acclaimed stage play in two acts about actors Marlon Brando and Wally Cox, is now available from publisher Trafford at:
http://www.trafford.com/07-2958
The link is also up at the new STORE page of my home site, www.Fletcher Rhoden.com -- you can also buy my novella THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT and buy or rent the horror slasher STUMP THE BAND from the store page with more products to follow.
The new live-action parody JURASSIC FART CLUB is winning praises from internet fans, including creators of the actual show JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB, who reported that their whole office got a real kick out of it. Here's a link: http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3324592/9339233
That's it for now, but there's more news to come, so stay tuned and happy reading!
FR
The long-anticipated novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON, based on the acclaimed stage play in two acts about actors Marlon Brando and Wally Cox, is now available from publisher Trafford at:
http://www.trafford.com/07-2958
The link is also up at the new STORE page of my home site, www.Fletcher Rhoden.com -- you can also buy my novella THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT and buy or rent the horror slasher STUMP THE BAND from the store page with more products to follow.
The new live-action parody JURASSIC FART CLUB is winning praises from internet fans, including creators of the actual show JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB, who reported that their whole office got a real kick out of it. Here's a link: http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3324592/9339233
That's it for now, but there's more news to come, so stay tuned and happy reading!
FR
Monday, August 18, 2008
New parody short subject
Hail, Blogmeisters:
Had a wild hair this weekend and whipped up a new short subject, this one a parody of the History Channel's weekly dinosaur death match, JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB called, appropriately, JURASSIC FART CLUB. Here's the link, or go to the VIDEOS page of my site, www.fletcherrhoden.com:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3324592/9339233
Had a wild hair this weekend and whipped up a new short subject, this one a parody of the History Channel's weekly dinosaur death match, JURASSIC FIGHT CLUB called, appropriately, JURASSIC FART CLUB. Here's the link, or go to the VIDEOS page of my site, www.fletcherrhoden.com:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3324592/9339233
Thursday, August 7, 2008
New stuff all over the place -- watch out, Stephen Colbert!
Greetings, Bloggies and Fletchfiles.
Here's the latest -- I'm taking one of many bold new steps forward, so take note, as this one appears first among many. I am taking my place beside Franklin and Colbert and other great Americans and coining a phrase -- step back and prepare, as your life is about to change.
P'OSCAR -- new slang for posthumous Oscar award, such as was given to Peter Finch for NETWORK. Current usage: "Do you think Heath Ledger will win the P'OSCAR this year?" There -- I've coined it, the P'Oscar. And as we all know, copyright law states that as soon as something is fixed in a tangible form, such as a publication (as on the internet in a blog, for example), it is copyrighted by virtue of its creation.
So, do YOU think Heath Ledger will win the P'Oscar?
In other news, my very successful writing seminar, WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure In Storytelling, will make its debut this month on DVD in a very limited release at first. Plans are set to webcast the Keynote presentation on 2hip4tv.com and clips will be available soon on the net so interested parties can start booking this exciting and informative writing seminar. A new page on the home site designed around this seminar will correspond with the posting of the clips and the release of the DVD later this month.
In other news, my long-awaited novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is (also) being set for release in August with no further delays. I've signed off on the first run, which should be available in only a week or so, with a full page on the Trafford website. I just read this thing (yet again) the other day, and I stand behind it as one of the best, if not THE best thing I've ever written -- certainly the most realized and ambitious since THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT. I wouldn't be surprised if the reviews for TANGO match those of CROCKETT or the glowing reviews for the TANGO stage play. Stay tuned for more!
I'm continuing to book readings/signings of the new book -- interested parties can already access the BOOKINGS page of the home site, WWW.FLETCHERRHODEN.COM
Some will notice that the DVDS page is no longer accessible on the site -- we're gearing up for a new marketing operations at Fletcher Rhoden.com, including new sales and rental distribution deals, so DVDs are no longer for sale. It's just a temporary thing though, so don't fret -- your favorite titles and new DVDS, such as WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure In Storytelling, will be available soon -- faster, better, more reliable. Thanks for your patience!
There was some talk about a new review of my play LAST TANGO WITH MARLON -- I even got a hard copy from the writer, but there is no confirmation of this as yet. My feeling is that the writer hadn't turned in his copy before sending one to Raf Mauro, his friend and our eternal Wally. We'll see...
There is also talk of a brand new website, and this in the works, above and beyond anything you've come to expect from Fletcher Rhoden.com. Wish me luck!
For those who keep track of such things, I am also finishing up a new script with my brilliant and gorgeous writing partner, meanwhile readying for our next 3 projects together. I've had a lot of collaborators over the years, Fletchlings, among them my own dear ol' mother, but Jeanell Suggs is my favorite, far and away. Wait 'til you see what we're cooking up for you, Hollywood -- can't wait? You know where to find me.
"Til then, I'm laying down a few new songs in demo form for some kind of music release by the end of the year (believe me, folks -- if I could help it, I would). Good songs, though -- a sneak peek can be found on either the PERFORMANCES or the MUSIC pages of the home site, with at least one new posting coming in the next week. There's a few new things on there if you haven't been lately, and some older bits might be popped off to make way for new media, so check it out while you can!
When the clips from WRITE MAKES MIGHT are posted, we'll keep you... posted.
Best to all,
Fletch
FR.com
Here's the latest -- I'm taking one of many bold new steps forward, so take note, as this one appears first among many. I am taking my place beside Franklin and Colbert and other great Americans and coining a phrase -- step back and prepare, as your life is about to change.
P'OSCAR -- new slang for posthumous Oscar award, such as was given to Peter Finch for NETWORK. Current usage: "Do you think Heath Ledger will win the P'OSCAR this year?" There -- I've coined it, the P'Oscar. And as we all know, copyright law states that as soon as something is fixed in a tangible form, such as a publication (as on the internet in a blog, for example), it is copyrighted by virtue of its creation.
So, do YOU think Heath Ledger will win the P'Oscar?
In other news, my very successful writing seminar, WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure In Storytelling, will make its debut this month on DVD in a very limited release at first. Plans are set to webcast the Keynote presentation on 2hip4tv.com and clips will be available soon on the net so interested parties can start booking this exciting and informative writing seminar. A new page on the home site designed around this seminar will correspond with the posting of the clips and the release of the DVD later this month.
In other news, my long-awaited novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is (also) being set for release in August with no further delays. I've signed off on the first run, which should be available in only a week or so, with a full page on the Trafford website. I just read this thing (yet again) the other day, and I stand behind it as one of the best, if not THE best thing I've ever written -- certainly the most realized and ambitious since THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT. I wouldn't be surprised if the reviews for TANGO match those of CROCKETT or the glowing reviews for the TANGO stage play. Stay tuned for more!
I'm continuing to book readings/signings of the new book -- interested parties can already access the BOOKINGS page of the home site, WWW.FLETCHERRHODEN.COM
Some will notice that the DVDS page is no longer accessible on the site -- we're gearing up for a new marketing operations at Fletcher Rhoden.com, including new sales and rental distribution deals, so DVDs are no longer for sale. It's just a temporary thing though, so don't fret -- your favorite titles and new DVDS, such as WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure In Storytelling, will be available soon -- faster, better, more reliable. Thanks for your patience!
There was some talk about a new review of my play LAST TANGO WITH MARLON -- I even got a hard copy from the writer, but there is no confirmation of this as yet. My feeling is that the writer hadn't turned in his copy before sending one to Raf Mauro, his friend and our eternal Wally. We'll see...
There is also talk of a brand new website, and this in the works, above and beyond anything you've come to expect from Fletcher Rhoden.com. Wish me luck!
For those who keep track of such things, I am also finishing up a new script with my brilliant and gorgeous writing partner, meanwhile readying for our next 3 projects together. I've had a lot of collaborators over the years, Fletchlings, among them my own dear ol' mother, but Jeanell Suggs is my favorite, far and away. Wait 'til you see what we're cooking up for you, Hollywood -- can't wait? You know where to find me.
"Til then, I'm laying down a few new songs in demo form for some kind of music release by the end of the year (believe me, folks -- if I could help it, I would). Good songs, though -- a sneak peek can be found on either the PERFORMANCES or the MUSIC pages of the home site, with at least one new posting coming in the next week. There's a few new things on there if you haven't been lately, and some older bits might be popped off to make way for new media, so check it out while you can!
When the clips from WRITE MAKES MIGHT are posted, we'll keep you... posted.
Best to all,
Fletch
FR.com
Thursday, July 24, 2008
WRITE MAKES MIGHT seminar tomorrow night, Fri. 7/25/08
A last-minute reminder that WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure in Storytelling featuring Fletcher Rhoden will have its world premiere at The Theater at Mt. Hollywood, home of the premiere run of the popular two-act play LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. The new multi-media presentation from the acclaimed author, playwright and film writer will take place FRIDAY JULY 25 at 8 pm (7:30 door) and includes free refreshments. NO ADMISSION CHARGE. This is also a great chance to check out Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church, 4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027 -- c/o Prospect & Rodney, one of the great churches in LA which celebrated one hundred years of service to the community. Friends and fans are welcome to stay afterward and chat, detractors are welcome to ask about some of the more controversial Mighty One Productions shorts, such as "Geiko.com -- Caveman Meets Gecko" and "The A-Christian-crats," or the Christopher Walken parodies, "The Christopher Walken Ecstatic Dance Academy," "Frank Beans In Walken The Wild Side," "Christopher Walken EVERYBODY'S NUTS Ad" or the popular novelty song, "Can't Stop Talkin' Like Christopher Walken." There will be a Q&A and signing of any and all materials.
FR.com
FR.com
Friday, July 18, 2008
ONE WEEK FROM TONIGHT L.A. premiere of new writing seminar
Hi, friends!
Please come out FRIDAY NIGHT JULY 25 8 pm -- ONE WEEK FROM TONIGHT and for ONE NIGHT ONLY, to see the first L.A. presentation of my writing seminar, WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure in Storytelling. This 40-minute, multi-media presentation will cover the 3-act, scene and sequel structures and more! We're shooting it for a dvd, so we hope to get a lot of you folks in for this free seminar -- refreshments will be served too, and there'll be plenty of time to hang out and chat. And you'll be right in the heart of the coolest spot in L.A. for a meal or some drinks afterward. We're doing it at The Theater @ Mt. Hollywood, where we staged LAST TANGO WITH MARLON back in February -- 4607 Prospect Ave. L.A. CA 90027 (between Vermont and Hillhurst, c/o Prospect and Rodney, enter S/E corner of the church). Doors open at 7:30
Hope to see you next Friday night!
Fletcher Rhoden
Please come out FRIDAY NIGHT JULY 25 8 pm -- ONE WEEK FROM TONIGHT and for ONE NIGHT ONLY, to see the first L.A. presentation of my writing seminar, WRITE MAKES MIGHT: Stronger Structure in Storytelling. This 40-minute, multi-media presentation will cover the 3-act, scene and sequel structures and more! We're shooting it for a dvd, so we hope to get a lot of you folks in for this free seminar -- refreshments will be served too, and there'll be plenty of time to hang out and chat. And you'll be right in the heart of the coolest spot in L.A. for a meal or some drinks afterward. We're doing it at The Theater @ Mt. Hollywood, where we staged LAST TANGO WITH MARLON back in February -- 4607 Prospect Ave. L.A. CA 90027 (between Vermont and Hillhurst, c/o Prospect and Rodney, enter S/E corner of the church). Doors open at 7:30
Hope to see you next Friday night!
Fletcher Rhoden
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New song debut at Mt. Hollywood THIS SUNDAY
Attention, blogmonsters and Fletchfans:
I'll be performing a new song at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church this Sunday morning during service. It's a piece based on 1 Corinthians 12-20, by one of my personal favorites, Saul Paulus of Tarsis. You may know him as St. Paul, and anybody familiar with the HBO Western DEADWOOD will recognize it. This is one of two annual solos that have become traditions for me at Mt. Hollywood, (4607 Prospect Ave, c/o Rodney between Hillhurst and Vermont in the Los Feliz Village), the coolest progressive Christian church in all the land. We like to say, "Where ever you are on your life's journey, you're welcome here." And kids, we mean it. We're about to welcome Rachel, our new pastor, so anybody who hasn't sampled this awesome place should consider this a great time to take me up on this personal invitation. And you might not want to miss the opportunity to tell me how much you hate my Geico ad parody on Youtube. This one really has the nerds cackling, folks -- I'm not sure why. it's one of my most-watched shorts. I mean, it's not SONG OF THE SOUTH or anything, but... oh well. If anybody's curious, there's a link to it from the SHORTS page of the homesite. If you don't like it, maybe a few of the others will be more to your liking. For those of you who can't make to church this week (services start at 10:30 am), keep an eye on the PERFORMANCES page of my site, as a video single seems likely next week.
In other news, there is a new cover design for the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella, now at the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON Yahoo! group and, shortly thereafter, on the home site, FLETCHER RHODEN.COM. The book is still slated for a late July release from Trafford Publishing.
See you on Sunday!
FR
I'll be performing a new song at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church this Sunday morning during service. It's a piece based on 1 Corinthians 12-20, by one of my personal favorites, Saul Paulus of Tarsis. You may know him as St. Paul, and anybody familiar with the HBO Western DEADWOOD will recognize it. This is one of two annual solos that have become traditions for me at Mt. Hollywood, (4607 Prospect Ave, c/o Rodney between Hillhurst and Vermont in the Los Feliz Village), the coolest progressive Christian church in all the land. We like to say, "Where ever you are on your life's journey, you're welcome here." And kids, we mean it. We're about to welcome Rachel, our new pastor, so anybody who hasn't sampled this awesome place should consider this a great time to take me up on this personal invitation. And you might not want to miss the opportunity to tell me how much you hate my Geico ad parody on Youtube. This one really has the nerds cackling, folks -- I'm not sure why. it's one of my most-watched shorts. I mean, it's not SONG OF THE SOUTH or anything, but... oh well. If anybody's curious, there's a link to it from the SHORTS page of the homesite. If you don't like it, maybe a few of the others will be more to your liking. For those of you who can't make to church this week (services start at 10:30 am), keep an eye on the PERFORMANCES page of my site, as a video single seems likely next week.
In other news, there is a new cover design for the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella, now at the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON Yahoo! group and, shortly thereafter, on the home site, FLETCHER RHODEN.COM. The book is still slated for a late July release from Trafford Publishing.
See you on Sunday!
FR
Friday, June 20, 2008
Stump the Band dvd & real-life gruesome crime drama!
Fellow Stumpers and blogriders everywhere:
2008 continues to be a busy and exciting year. The novella of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is still on schedule for a July release, with everyone at Fletcher Rhoden.com working to get the word out with readings & signings and associated media interviews. Look for those to start in the fall, lit fans!
There's also a new screenplay in the works, and a new live production, of sorts. Without saying too much about it, I can mention that it would feature both a live appearances tour, along the lines of the TANGO book tour, and will likely have a new non-TANGO DVD release as well. For those hoping for a LAST TANGO WITH MARLON dvd, we'll have to wait until certain union matters are straightened out.
But the main reason for this particular blog is the indie slasher STUMP THE BAND, finally available at Amazon.com and Netflix. Reviews are popping up all over the internet, at each end of the scale. Nobody's been unfair, that's something. DVDs are being given away in contests on various horror sites, and the buzz is really starting to pick up. After a few years of floating around before a proper dvd release, STB has had a period to sink into the public consciousness, for good or ill.
Even more startling is the news that severed human feet having been washing up on the shores of Vancouver, BC. THE GUARDIAN's Dan Glaister wrote a story dated this very day -- this is an ongoing, unsolved mystery. Human feet, encased in shoes, are washing up and nobody can figure out why. Some suggest mafia or gang corpse dumps result in feet which have "popped off" the victims and washed up, protected from decay by the shoes themselves. Two such feet were found in the last four weeks, today's article states.
One foot appears to be a hoax, but others are suggested to originate from such diverse sources as the 2004 Asian tsunami or other maritime or air disasters.
But a more sinister theory is also fascinating those following the mystery: They could be remains of pig farmer Robert Pickton, convicted last year of murdering six women and, according to the prosecution of his trial, confessed to killing 43 others. It is impossible not to notice the similarity between the story and the morbid tale at the heart of STUMP THE BAND. Both center on a rural nutcase who kills women and dismembers their feet. It's a most unusual MO in fact or fiction, but to have them overlapping is astonishing.
Well, it might not be astonishing if one had inspired the other, but as the story writer of STUMP... and the person responsible for introducing the dismembered-foot element of the story (it goes with the title, thank you very much), I was certainly not inspired by Pickton's exploits. STUMP THE BAND's first draft was written around 1996, and I'd used the same MO in a cop thriller I'd written the year before called FOOT OF PRIDE. The crazy, ax-wielding foot fetishist, who was in that version (and is revealed to be this in the final STB film in deleted scenes!) is a former shoe salesman (like myself). I based the whole of STUMP THE BAND around that story idea, tossing in the all-girl rock band for obvious reasons. Once John and Robbie and Jojo got a hold of it, they did a pretty drastic overhaul of the script, keeping the basic concepts, title, characters and a few of the bits and basically rewriting everything else. Still, no Robert Pickton. And since Pickton's crimes predate any kind of release of STUMP THE BAND, I think we can safely say he didn't get the idea from us.
So what remains is a gruesome coincidence, a horrifying implausibility, but it's front-page news in Vancouver (the feet are, anyway.) Makes you think...
Coming up, my delayed follow-up to the CHARM & HAPPY.COM JINGLE, the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella and more cool stuff. Stay tuned.
Fletcher Rhoden
2008 continues to be a busy and exciting year. The novella of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is still on schedule for a July release, with everyone at Fletcher Rhoden.com working to get the word out with readings & signings and associated media interviews. Look for those to start in the fall, lit fans!
There's also a new screenplay in the works, and a new live production, of sorts. Without saying too much about it, I can mention that it would feature both a live appearances tour, along the lines of the TANGO book tour, and will likely have a new non-TANGO DVD release as well. For those hoping for a LAST TANGO WITH MARLON dvd, we'll have to wait until certain union matters are straightened out.
But the main reason for this particular blog is the indie slasher STUMP THE BAND, finally available at Amazon.com and Netflix. Reviews are popping up all over the internet, at each end of the scale. Nobody's been unfair, that's something. DVDs are being given away in contests on various horror sites, and the buzz is really starting to pick up. After a few years of floating around before a proper dvd release, STB has had a period to sink into the public consciousness, for good or ill.
Even more startling is the news that severed human feet having been washing up on the shores of Vancouver, BC. THE GUARDIAN's Dan Glaister wrote a story dated this very day -- this is an ongoing, unsolved mystery. Human feet, encased in shoes, are washing up and nobody can figure out why. Some suggest mafia or gang corpse dumps result in feet which have "popped off" the victims and washed up, protected from decay by the shoes themselves. Two such feet were found in the last four weeks, today's article states.
One foot appears to be a hoax, but others are suggested to originate from such diverse sources as the 2004 Asian tsunami or other maritime or air disasters.
But a more sinister theory is also fascinating those following the mystery: They could be remains of pig farmer Robert Pickton, convicted last year of murdering six women and, according to the prosecution of his trial, confessed to killing 43 others. It is impossible not to notice the similarity between the story and the morbid tale at the heart of STUMP THE BAND. Both center on a rural nutcase who kills women and dismembers their feet. It's a most unusual MO in fact or fiction, but to have them overlapping is astonishing.
Well, it might not be astonishing if one had inspired the other, but as the story writer of STUMP... and the person responsible for introducing the dismembered-foot element of the story (it goes with the title, thank you very much), I was certainly not inspired by Pickton's exploits. STUMP THE BAND's first draft was written around 1996, and I'd used the same MO in a cop thriller I'd written the year before called FOOT OF PRIDE. The crazy, ax-wielding foot fetishist, who was in that version (and is revealed to be this in the final STB film in deleted scenes!) is a former shoe salesman (like myself). I based the whole of STUMP THE BAND around that story idea, tossing in the all-girl rock band for obvious reasons. Once John and Robbie and Jojo got a hold of it, they did a pretty drastic overhaul of the script, keeping the basic concepts, title, characters and a few of the bits and basically rewriting everything else. Still, no Robert Pickton. And since Pickton's crimes predate any kind of release of STUMP THE BAND, I think we can safely say he didn't get the idea from us.
So what remains is a gruesome coincidence, a horrifying implausibility, but it's front-page news in Vancouver (the feet are, anyway.) Makes you think...
Coming up, my delayed follow-up to the CHARM & HAPPY.COM JINGLE, the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella and more cool stuff. Stay tuned.
Fletcher Rhoden
Friday, June 6, 2008
New series of online articles from Fletcher Rhoden
Greetings, Blog Monsters:
To help celebrate the release of my new novella, LAST TANGO WITH MARLON (Trafford, July 2008) about Marlon Brando and Wally Cox, I've begun a series of online articles, posted on Writing.com, Helium.com and on a new page of my home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com (the page is called Online Articles. Easy enough to remember?) My first two subjects are, not surprisingly, Marlon and Wally. The first essay is called Sean Penn: Our Marlon Brando. Are the similarities more than skin deep? For Penn's sake, let's hope so -- or is it not? Next up is the successor to Wally Cox's comedic throne. No fun giving it away, you can read them for yourselves, real quick and easy like.
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1435845
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1435146
http://www.fletcherrhoden.com/onlinearticles.htm
If you chose to read the articles at Fletcher Rhoden.com, you can always pop over to the NOVELS page for the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON excerpt, available nowhere else on the net, not to mention all the other cool free stuff on that expansive site!
In other news, I am currently booking readings/signings of the book, with Q&A, mostly at campus and bookstore events, plus I'm putting together a series of print, radio and TV interviews. More on those as they materialize.
There's good news for STUMP THE BAND fans -- the growing cult flick WILL be coming out from Invincible Pictures, I'm told, although the release date of June 3 has come and gone like a pair of size 7 1/2's ("My favorite...") But they tell me so I'm tellin' you... it's coming.
There's even more to come, but again it's no fair to give away too much too soon. Stay tuned, hang tight, and keep reading!
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
To help celebrate the release of my new novella, LAST TANGO WITH MARLON (Trafford, July 2008) about Marlon Brando and Wally Cox, I've begun a series of online articles, posted on Writing.com, Helium.com and on a new page of my home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com (the page is called Online Articles. Easy enough to remember?) My first two subjects are, not surprisingly, Marlon and Wally. The first essay is called Sean Penn: Our Marlon Brando. Are the similarities more than skin deep? For Penn's sake, let's hope so -- or is it not? Next up is the successor to Wally Cox's comedic throne. No fun giving it away, you can read them for yourselves, real quick and easy like.
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1435845
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1435146
http://www.fletcherrhoden.com/onlinearticles.htm
If you chose to read the articles at Fletcher Rhoden.com, you can always pop over to the NOVELS page for the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON excerpt, available nowhere else on the net, not to mention all the other cool free stuff on that expansive site!
In other news, I am currently booking readings/signings of the book, with Q&A, mostly at campus and bookstore events, plus I'm putting together a series of print, radio and TV interviews. More on those as they materialize.
There's good news for STUMP THE BAND fans -- the growing cult flick WILL be coming out from Invincible Pictures, I'm told, although the release date of June 3 has come and gone like a pair of size 7 1/2's ("My favorite...") But they tell me so I'm tellin' you... it's coming.
There's even more to come, but again it's no fair to give away too much too soon. Stay tuned, hang tight, and keep reading!
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
Sunday, June 1, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON @ the Louis B. Mayer Theater
The rumors were true, blogdalereos, the cast, crew and I headed to Calabasas for a rare shot of live theater at the famous Motion Picture & Television Fund. LAST TANGO WITH MARLON played out as usual, with satisfied customers all around. I'm currently booking interviews and campus/bookstore appearances for the novella, which comes out in July. I know it's been delayed a few times, but the final result will be worth it. There are other TANGO matters pending.
You may have read, bloggies, that Quinton Flynn and I had discussed a new toon venture, but with Q on tour and me getting ready for a similar venture, that toon may not be in the cards. I really want to invest myself in promotion right now, so keep in touch with www.Fletcher Rhoden.com for more details. You can also read the as-yet only online excerpt of the new TANGO novella, up on my site now.
See you on the junket!
Fletcher Rhoden, esquire
You may have read, bloggies, that Quinton Flynn and I had discussed a new toon venture, but with Q on tour and me getting ready for a similar venture, that toon may not be in the cards. I really want to invest myself in promotion right now, so keep in touch with www.Fletcher Rhoden.com for more details. You can also read the as-yet only online excerpt of the new TANGO novella, up on my site now.
See you on the junket!
Fletcher Rhoden, esquire
Sunday, May 25, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella excerpt now online
Hail, Bloggies:
An excerpt from the upcoming novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is now up at the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com. You can get to it from the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON page, the NOVELS page, or go direct: www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlonexcerpt.htm
The book is set to be released in July from Trafford Publishing, who published my acclaimed 2001 effort THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT, excerpts of which are included in the back of the new novella. ...DAVY CROCKETT is now available as a Kindle Edition from Amazon -- this is an e-book format whereby you download the file onto an electronic book-style portable computer called a Kindle. Anyway, a few copies of my novella are selling in this format, which is exciting. Kindle readers, check it out at
http://www.amazon.com/The-Trial-of-Davy-Crockett/dp/B000RG1FRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211756545&sr=8-1
My recently mentioned DV short subject is written and ready, but it won't go before the cameras until at least the fall, maybe sometime in early 2009, depending on when my partner Robbie Rist starts HIS short (they're part of an anthology feature project). I am hoping to have a new animated short this summer though, possibly to feature the star of THE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY, Quinton Flynn. Q and I haven't worked together since 2002's one-and-only live appearance of rock groupie-turned-comic Abby Rode, currently under the artistic guidance of co-creator Diane Germano. If anyone's interested, Mighty One Productions released a DVD of this performance, ABBY RODE: ALMOST INFAMOUS, available only by request (fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com). The Christopher Walken Ecstatic Dance Academy just passed 10,000 hits on Youtube, a first for any of my shorts. Not huge numbers by Youtube standards, but all in all I seem to pick up about 50-100 hits a day on various shorts over various sites, which isn't bad. (Note: these TCWEDA numbers are from 'trekfox's' posting of the short -- my own recent posting has lower numbers and only a few weeks online.)
And yes, I am recording a follow-up to my much-ballyhooed jingle for CharmandHappy.com. I couldn't believe how positive the response was! If Carmen likes the new one (it was her concept and request), that should post sometime in June. It looks like I'll be doing one of my solos at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church also in June -- I've been asked to speak on Father's Day, and since I'll be there I may be tapped to sing a number, probably with a father theme of some sort. "Father, Father" by Pops Staples? Bring Eva in for another duet? Hey, it always sounds better with Eva in the mix, but she does keep pretty busy these days. Whatever it is, if it comes out half-descent you can expect a video single to pop up on the home site's PERFORMANCES page (www.fletcherrhoden.com/performances.htm). You can go there now for a taste of what I've done so far.
Other news to follow as this busy year progresses!
Blye Blye for now, Bloggers!
Fletcher Rhoden
An excerpt from the upcoming novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is now up at the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com. You can get to it from the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON page, the NOVELS page, or go direct: www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlonexcerpt.htm
The book is set to be released in July from Trafford Publishing, who published my acclaimed 2001 effort THE TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT, excerpts of which are included in the back of the new novella. ...DAVY CROCKETT is now available as a Kindle Edition from Amazon -- this is an e-book format whereby you download the file onto an electronic book-style portable computer called a Kindle. Anyway, a few copies of my novella are selling in this format, which is exciting. Kindle readers, check it out at
http://www.amazon.com/The-Trial-of-Davy-Crockett/dp/B000RG1FRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211756545&sr=8-1
My recently mentioned DV short subject is written and ready, but it won't go before the cameras until at least the fall, maybe sometime in early 2009, depending on when my partner Robbie Rist starts HIS short (they're part of an anthology feature project). I am hoping to have a new animated short this summer though, possibly to feature the star of THE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY, Quinton Flynn. Q and I haven't worked together since 2002's one-and-only live appearance of rock groupie-turned-comic Abby Rode, currently under the artistic guidance of co-creator Diane Germano. If anyone's interested, Mighty One Productions released a DVD of this performance, ABBY RODE: ALMOST INFAMOUS, available only by request (fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com). The Christopher Walken Ecstatic Dance Academy just passed 10,000 hits on Youtube, a first for any of my shorts. Not huge numbers by Youtube standards, but all in all I seem to pick up about 50-100 hits a day on various shorts over various sites, which isn't bad. (Note: these TCWEDA numbers are from 'trekfox's' posting of the short -- my own recent posting has lower numbers and only a few weeks online.)
And yes, I am recording a follow-up to my much-ballyhooed jingle for CharmandHappy.com. I couldn't believe how positive the response was! If Carmen likes the new one (it was her concept and request), that should post sometime in June. It looks like I'll be doing one of my solos at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church also in June -- I've been asked to speak on Father's Day, and since I'll be there I may be tapped to sing a number, probably with a father theme of some sort. "Father, Father" by Pops Staples? Bring Eva in for another duet? Hey, it always sounds better with Eva in the mix, but she does keep pretty busy these days. Whatever it is, if it comes out half-descent you can expect a video single to pop up on the home site's PERFORMANCES page (www.fletcherrhoden.com/performances.htm). You can go there now for a taste of what I've done so far.
Other news to follow as this busy year progresses!
Blye Blye for now, Bloggers!
Fletcher Rhoden
Monday, April 21, 2008
New LAST TANGO WITH MARLON clip, other news
Hail, blogriders.
There's a new clip on the internet from the upcoming dvd of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. In contrast to the two clips currently on the net, this one is from DV, so it looks great. It's also a dramatic clip, unlike the previous comedic samples. In one of my favorite parts of the play, Marlon Brando describes a painful experience from his years in a military academy, one which shaped his life from that moment on. The link to the Metacafe post of the clip is at my site, www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon. It's also up on Yahoo video, Youtube and Veoh, But don't be surprised to see it pop on other sites, as most of my shorts seem to do. I'm not sure who puts them there (various sites I only discover because I'm on them), but I sure don't mind. For those of you who track such things, I generally get higher numbers on Metacafe or Yahoo video than Youtube, but it's pretty close. Depends on the short, really. Others, like Veoh, trail considerably in numbers, but I get more downloads from those sites (to date you can't download from Youtube that I know of) so it all balances out.
The dvd of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON, THE WORLD PREMIERE should be available by the end of May, perhaps before. The novella is also slated for a May release from Canada's Trafford Publishing.
In other news, Stump the Band's dvd release has been postponed until the first week of June. Fans of my CharmandHappy.com jingle will be happy to hear I've been hired to do a follow up jingle for the same site, this one for the mighty Charm the Clown. Look for that sometime in May too, at www.CharmandHappy.com.
Okay, it looks like I gotta get back to work. Stay posted, blogheads and Fletchfans!
Fletcher Rhoden
There's a new clip on the internet from the upcoming dvd of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. In contrast to the two clips currently on the net, this one is from DV, so it looks great. It's also a dramatic clip, unlike the previous comedic samples. In one of my favorite parts of the play, Marlon Brando describes a painful experience from his years in a military academy, one which shaped his life from that moment on. The link to the Metacafe post of the clip is at my site, www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon. It's also up on Yahoo video, Youtube and Veoh, But don't be surprised to see it pop on other sites, as most of my shorts seem to do. I'm not sure who puts them there (various sites I only discover because I'm on them), but I sure don't mind. For those of you who track such things, I generally get higher numbers on Metacafe or Yahoo video than Youtube, but it's pretty close. Depends on the short, really. Others, like Veoh, trail considerably in numbers, but I get more downloads from those sites (to date you can't download from Youtube that I know of) so it all balances out.
The dvd of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON, THE WORLD PREMIERE should be available by the end of May, perhaps before. The novella is also slated for a May release from Canada's Trafford Publishing.
In other news, Stump the Band's dvd release has been postponed until the first week of June. Fans of my CharmandHappy.com jingle will be happy to hear I've been hired to do a follow up jingle for the same site, this one for the mighty Charm the Clown. Look for that sometime in May too, at www.CharmandHappy.com.
Okay, it looks like I gotta get back to work. Stay posted, blogheads and Fletchfans!
Fletcher Rhoden
Thursday, April 10, 2008
April update: CharmandHappy.com Jingle and more!
Greetings, blogthusiasts:
I won't keep you, I know it's a busy month for most of us. But there's news to share, so let's get right to it.
My new CharmandHappy.com Jingle is up at their self-named site (CharmandHappy.com is the leading party entertainment company in the southland, mommies and daddies!) I didn't write the music for this little dittie, fans, but I did rewrite the lyrics and produce it, and so far it seems to be a big hit. Check it out for yourselves:
http://www.clowns4all.com/CharmandHappy-Jingle.html
In other vaguely musical news, I did post a demo for another new tune (this one all mine) called "Cracker Love" and it's available on the MUSIC page of my site, thus:
http://www.fletcherrhoden.com/music
In other goings on, I'm just getting deep into editing the video footage for the dvd/webcast of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON and I'm hoping to have that done by the end of this month -- with the webcast on 2Hip4TV.com to follow. May will also see the release of the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella, from Trafford Publishing. I just reread it and it holds up -- I think it'll do even better than my first novella, the acclaimed TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT (Trafford, 2000).
There are more cool things coming up in the summer, including a possible DV short subject (my first since THE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY, MIghty One Prod. 2000), the return of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON the stage play, a few cartoons, new songs and performances. So far 2008's goin' great!
Back to you, bloggies, but stay posted!
Fletcher Rhoden
I won't keep you, I know it's a busy month for most of us. But there's news to share, so let's get right to it.
My new CharmandHappy.com Jingle is up at their self-named site (CharmandHappy.com is the leading party entertainment company in the southland, mommies and daddies!) I didn't write the music for this little dittie, fans, but I did rewrite the lyrics and produce it, and so far it seems to be a big hit. Check it out for yourselves:
http://www.clowns4all.com/CharmandHappy-Jingle.html
In other vaguely musical news, I did post a demo for another new tune (this one all mine) called "Cracker Love" and it's available on the MUSIC page of my site, thus:
http://www.fletcherrhoden.com/music
In other goings on, I'm just getting deep into editing the video footage for the dvd/webcast of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON and I'm hoping to have that done by the end of this month -- with the webcast on 2Hip4TV.com to follow. May will also see the release of the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON novella, from Trafford Publishing. I just reread it and it holds up -- I think it'll do even better than my first novella, the acclaimed TRIAL OF DAVY CROCKETT (Trafford, 2000).
There are more cool things coming up in the summer, including a possible DV short subject (my first since THE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY, MIghty One Prod. 2000), the return of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON the stage play, a few cartoons, new songs and performances. So far 2008's goin' great!
Back to you, bloggies, but stay posted!
Fletcher Rhoden
Sunday, March 23, 2008
STUMP THE BAND DVD pre-sale reservations at Amazon.com
Hi Bloggers, Stumpers, et al:
The award-winning slasher STUMP THE BAND (story by Fletcher Rhoden) is available now for pre-sale reservations at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Stump-Band/dp/B00166UKUM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1206341339&sr=1-1
Official dvd release is set for May 7, 2008.
In other news, the novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON should be available in April from Trafford Publishing and will also be featured on Amazon.com, among other outlets. The DVD and webcast will also likely be available in April, albeit later in the month.
And now, answers to recent most-asked questions:
Q: Why the delay in delivering the book/dvd or LAST TANGO WITH MARLON?
A: I made some changes to the book, which delayed production. Our editor for the video, who was going to work on a deferred payment plan, changed his mind -- so we changed our plan. It falls to me to edit it and that will take just a little more time. Since I haven't screened the footage, I can't even guarantee that a dvd can be delivered from the video we have. 2hip4tv.com will still carry the webcast when and if it is ready, however.
Q: Will there be more performances of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON?
A: We're trying to book the show at universities and other unique venues across California -- nothing yet. but stay tuned.
Q: Is there a LAST TANGO WITH MARLON film in the works?
A: Not yet, but several possibilities for that remain. Check out the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON Yahoo! group for dream casting wish-lists. Who would YOU cast?
Q: Are there new songs and/or new recordings on the drawing board?
A: I'll be doing some recording for CharmandHappy.com, but a release is as-yet uncertain -- it'll be April, if at all. And I have a new song I may debut soon live at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church. The new Christian/pop song, tentatively titled FORMER THINGS will likely be issued as a "video single" on Youtube and will probably appear on a dvd of Mt. Hollywood live performances to be released at the end of the year. I'm accumulating a bunch of new songs, but I don't have any plans to record them any time soon.
Q: Are you animating Robbie Rist's new internet 'toon project?
A: I did some designs and I'm waiting for notes to finalize them.
Q: Are you and Eva James still recording or performing together?
A: Eva and I are still great friends, but we're both busy with our own separate projects at the moment.
Q: What other new projects do you have going on?
A: I'm hoping to do another animated short before summer (this one a pilot for another prospective series) and I'm finishing 2 new screenplays. I may start a third screenplay for Robbie Rist to shoot in New Orleans and a fourth with an eye toward shooting it myself here in LA by the end of the year if possible. I may also shoot LAST TANGO WITH MARLON if nobody else wants to. Any shooting plans are way up in the air, however.
Stay tuned for more, including new archival additions to www.Fletcher Rhoden.com and all kinds of other exciting stuff!
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
The award-winning slasher STUMP THE BAND (story by Fletcher Rhoden) is available now for pre-sale reservations at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Stump-Band/dp/B00166UKUM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1206341339&sr=1-1
Official dvd release is set for May 7, 2008.
In other news, the novella LAST TANGO WITH MARLON should be available in April from Trafford Publishing and will also be featured on Amazon.com, among other outlets. The DVD and webcast will also likely be available in April, albeit later in the month.
And now, answers to recent most-asked questions:
Q: Why the delay in delivering the book/dvd or LAST TANGO WITH MARLON?
A: I made some changes to the book, which delayed production. Our editor for the video, who was going to work on a deferred payment plan, changed his mind -- so we changed our plan. It falls to me to edit it and that will take just a little more time. Since I haven't screened the footage, I can't even guarantee that a dvd can be delivered from the video we have. 2hip4tv.com will still carry the webcast when and if it is ready, however.
Q: Will there be more performances of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON?
A: We're trying to book the show at universities and other unique venues across California -- nothing yet. but stay tuned.
Q: Is there a LAST TANGO WITH MARLON film in the works?
A: Not yet, but several possibilities for that remain. Check out the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON Yahoo! group for dream casting wish-lists. Who would YOU cast?
Q: Are there new songs and/or new recordings on the drawing board?
A: I'll be doing some recording for CharmandHappy.com, but a release is as-yet uncertain -- it'll be April, if at all. And I have a new song I may debut soon live at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church. The new Christian/pop song, tentatively titled FORMER THINGS will likely be issued as a "video single" on Youtube and will probably appear on a dvd of Mt. Hollywood live performances to be released at the end of the year. I'm accumulating a bunch of new songs, but I don't have any plans to record them any time soon.
Q: Are you animating Robbie Rist's new internet 'toon project?
A: I did some designs and I'm waiting for notes to finalize them.
Q: Are you and Eva James still recording or performing together?
A: Eva and I are still great friends, but we're both busy with our own separate projects at the moment.
Q: What other new projects do you have going on?
A: I'm hoping to do another animated short before summer (this one a pilot for another prospective series) and I'm finishing 2 new screenplays. I may start a third screenplay for Robbie Rist to shoot in New Orleans and a fourth with an eye toward shooting it myself here in LA by the end of the year if possible. I may also shoot LAST TANGO WITH MARLON if nobody else wants to. Any shooting plans are way up in the air, however.
Stay tuned for more, including new archival additions to www.Fletcher Rhoden.com and all kinds of other exciting stuff!
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
Sunday, March 9, 2008
STUMP THE BAND coming to DVD worldwide!
Blogologists, take note:
The rumors are true -- the award-winning indie slasher STUMP THE BAND has been picked up by an up-and-coming distributor and should be released on DVD some time in late spring or early summer, 2008. Some speculated that the rock'n'roll horror/comedy (story by Fletcher Rhoden) went to Troma (the TOXIC AVENGER film series) but although an offer was made, producers opted for a more attractive deal elsewhere. Commentaries with producer Robbie Rist, director Bill Holmes and screenwriter Jo Jo Hendrickson have been recorded for the DVD. More details to come.
Rist performed at the M Bar on Saturday night with fellow CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY actor Quinton Flynn for a classic rock karaoke sing-a-long featuring a live band including members of WONDERMINT. Robbie sang Supertramp's THE LOGICAL SONG, the night's show-stopper.
FR.com
The rumors are true -- the award-winning indie slasher STUMP THE BAND has been picked up by an up-and-coming distributor and should be released on DVD some time in late spring or early summer, 2008. Some speculated that the rock'n'roll horror/comedy (story by Fletcher Rhoden) went to Troma (the TOXIC AVENGER film series) but although an offer was made, producers opted for a more attractive deal elsewhere. Commentaries with producer Robbie Rist, director Bill Holmes and screenwriter Jo Jo Hendrickson have been recorded for the DVD. More details to come.
Rist performed at the M Bar on Saturday night with fellow CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ECSTATIC DANCE ACADEMY actor Quinton Flynn for a classic rock karaoke sing-a-long featuring a live band including members of WONDERMINT. Robbie sang Supertramp's THE LOGICAL SONG, the night's show-stopper.
FR.com
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Balloonzee at CharmandHappy.com
Hail, Blogganistas!
As promised, some non-LAST TANGO WITH MARLON news. My animated children's DVD BALLOONZEE is now available for purchase through CharmandHappy.com, where you can also see the first 6-minute webisode anytime, for free. Nearly a half-hour of brand-new animation, BALLOONZEE brings you into a wonderful world where bright-eyed balloon animals entertain, educate and enthrall. In the 11-minute series pilot, BLUE, NO CLUE, it's up to Geraldine to help Stretch out of a blue mood. Can they get to the library to see Mr. Book before he becomes completely deflated? In QUICKIES, Geraldiine, Colt and the gang sing, tell jokes, count, float over exotic places and much more. Featuring all new music and songs and created to California Content Standards, BALLOONZEE is ideal for kids, parents, teachers, and will also be of interest to producers, distributors, book publishers and much more. Kids everywhere love balloon animals, and your whole family will love BALLOONZEE. There is more information at www.fletcherrhoden.com/balloonzee, and we're proud to be made available through CharmandHappy,com, the southland leader in children's party entertainment. Specializing in clowns and balloon art that must be seen to be believed, CharmandHappy.com also features body art, singing telegrams, puppet shows, characters and much, much more! You can request Fletcher Rhoden (that's me, bloggies) at no additional charge -- I do it all but my specialty is face painting, y'all!
There's more to come, on several fronts, so stay tuned and stay happy -- see ya at the party!
Fletcher Rhoden
As promised, some non-LAST TANGO WITH MARLON news. My animated children's DVD BALLOONZEE is now available for purchase through CharmandHappy.com, where you can also see the first 6-minute webisode anytime, for free. Nearly a half-hour of brand-new animation, BALLOONZEE brings you into a wonderful world where bright-eyed balloon animals entertain, educate and enthrall. In the 11-minute series pilot, BLUE, NO CLUE, it's up to Geraldine to help Stretch out of a blue mood. Can they get to the library to see Mr. Book before he becomes completely deflated? In QUICKIES, Geraldiine, Colt and the gang sing, tell jokes, count, float over exotic places and much more. Featuring all new music and songs and created to California Content Standards, BALLOONZEE is ideal for kids, parents, teachers, and will also be of interest to producers, distributors, book publishers and much more. Kids everywhere love balloon animals, and your whole family will love BALLOONZEE. There is more information at www.fletcherrhoden.com/balloonzee, and we're proud to be made available through CharmandHappy,com, the southland leader in children's party entertainment. Specializing in clowns and balloon art that must be seen to be believed, CharmandHappy.com also features body art, singing telegrams, puppet shows, characters and much, much more! You can request Fletcher Rhoden (that's me, bloggies) at no additional charge -- I do it all but my specialty is face painting, y'all!
There's more to come, on several fronts, so stay tuned and stay happy -- see ya at the party!
Fletcher Rhoden
Sunday, February 17, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON closing weekend
Greeting, blog fans:
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON ended its run at the Mt. Hollywood Theater in spectacular fashion. Closing night Saturday was the best performance yet, and everyone agrees the show is not to be abandoned. The whole run was a huge hit -- artistically, commercially, critically. The reviews have been awesome (www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews), audience response excellent, I'm happy to report that by all accounts TANGO has surpassed anything I've done to date. I couldn't have done it without my superb cast, of course, and the good people at Mt. Hollywood. While we can't keep up at what Joseph Mailander called, "An amiable little church," we are now investigating other ways of bringing this acclaimed play to more people across this great land. Stay tuned to www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon for details on future performances. We've also got a DVD and webcast about to go into the works, and of course Trafford publishes the novella in March. Those of you who did see the play, don't forget to request your special-price copy of the book when it comes out!
There is other non-TANGO news, but that can wait until later this week, when fletcherrhodenblog returns to a state of near-normalcy.
Thanks again to everyone who came out to see our play, for those who missed it -- stay tuned! As Raf "Wally Cox" Mauro is fond of saying, "Steady on."
Fletcher Rhoden
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON ended its run at the Mt. Hollywood Theater in spectacular fashion. Closing night Saturday was the best performance yet, and everyone agrees the show is not to be abandoned. The whole run was a huge hit -- artistically, commercially, critically. The reviews have been awesome (www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews), audience response excellent, I'm happy to report that by all accounts TANGO has surpassed anything I've done to date. I couldn't have done it without my superb cast, of course, and the good people at Mt. Hollywood. While we can't keep up at what Joseph Mailander called, "An amiable little church," we are now investigating other ways of bringing this acclaimed play to more people across this great land. Stay tuned to www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon for details on future performances. We've also got a DVD and webcast about to go into the works, and of course Trafford publishes the novella in March. Those of you who did see the play, don't forget to request your special-price copy of the book when it comes out!
There is other non-TANGO news, but that can wait until later this week, when fletcherrhodenblog returns to a state of near-normalcy.
Thanks again to everyone who came out to see our play, for those who missed it -- stay tuned! As Raf "Wally Cox" Mauro is fond of saying, "Steady on."
Fletcher Rhoden
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
coming up: LAST TANGO WITH MARLON closing weekend
Don't miss it, gang -- seats for the last two shows of this world-premiere run of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON are going fast. We've gotten terrific notices, the actors are in full swing! $5 off for students, seniors and writers guild members (congrats, fellow scribes!) Back to MY writing, however -- we've got a few celebs on the list for this weekend, no fair telling who! But it's nice, and who knows who else may yet make a reservation. (323) 667-9113. Complete reviews at www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews
There's big news NOT related to the new play, but these announcements will have to wait until the closing weekend recap(s) you'll read here soon. See the show and you can blog about it yourself -- or join our Yahoo! group LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. Unlike the play it's free, you can check it out from home, it's an internet group not a live play, and so on. They're really not alike at all, but the one relates to the other, and you can post your own reviews and keep track of all the latest LTWM action to come!
FR
There's big news NOT related to the new play, but these announcements will have to wait until the closing weekend recap(s) you'll read here soon. See the show and you can blog about it yourself -- or join our Yahoo! group LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. Unlike the play it's free, you can check it out from home, it's an internet group not a live play, and so on. They're really not alike at all, but the one relates to the other, and you can post your own reviews and keep track of all the latest LTWM action to come!
FR
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Hollywood Square Karen Valentine attends LAST TANGO WITH MARLON
It was a special treat for everyone in the cast and crew of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON when original Hollywood Squares vet Karen Valentine came to see the show. Not only a good friend of our boy Wally, Karen's own intense friendship with fellow Square Paul Lynde figures into the script. Could it be that the famously gay Paul Lynde was himself smitten with the adorable Valentine, and his frustrated love for her, heightened by their close friendship, led to his sorrow and self-destruction? As Marlon describes it, "A homosexual Cyrano?" Perhaps we'll never know, but Karen was very positive about the play, pointing out wide range of emotional experiences it offers with much appreciation. Our packed house didn't even seem to mind that we had to start quite late -- of course a little Pizza Hut goes a long way.
Two more shows at Mt. Hollywood this weekend, Feb. 15, 16, seats are already filling up -- maybe original Hollywood Square himself, Peter Marshall will make it! Who knows?
Thanks to everyone who has come out to enjoy the show so far -- see the rest of you next weekend!
Fletcher Rhoden
Two more shows at Mt. Hollywood this weekend, Feb. 15, 16, seats are already filling up -- maybe original Hollywood Square himself, Peter Marshall will make it! Who knows?
Thanks to everyone who has come out to enjoy the show so far -- see the rest of you next weekend!
Fletcher Rhoden
More praise for LAST TANGO WITH MARLON
Hello again, Blog readers:
Happy to say the good reviews just keep coming! The newest one, from the Tolucan Times, tosses around some pretty heavy phrases: a fascinating play, meticulous research, intensely comedic. Who are we to disagree? You can read the whole review at www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews, along with other positive notices. We're running the show again tonight (Feb. 9) with a handful of available seats, but there are plenty for closing weekend, which is coming right up! We've got a new $5 discount for seniors, students and Writer's Guild members, so take advantage and check out this terrific little show while you can. There will be no extention -- call for reservations and check out the site for details: www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon
4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027 8 pm sharp, $20
FR.com
Happy to say the good reviews just keep coming! The newest one, from the Tolucan Times, tosses around some pretty heavy phrases: a fascinating play, meticulous research, intensely comedic. Who are we to disagree? You can read the whole review at www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews, along with other positive notices. We're running the show again tonight (Feb. 9) with a handful of available seats, but there are plenty for closing weekend, which is coming right up! We've got a new $5 discount for seniors, students and Writer's Guild members, so take advantage and check out this terrific little show while you can. There will be no extention -- call for reservations and check out the site for details: www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon
4607 Prospect Ave. LA CA 90027 8 pm sharp, $20
FR.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Critics praise LAST TANGO WITH MARLON -- clips now online!
Hail, Bloggards:
The reviews are coming in and, to reflect the universal opinions of our audiences, it's so far, so good. On the political website Mayor Sam's, Joseph Mailander called LAST TANGO WITH MARLON "A funny and touching play" noting Raf Mauro as Wally Cox is "A constant delight." UpCurtain agrees, calling Mauro's comedic timing "Exquisite." Check out the entire reviews at www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews.htm
TWO CLIPS from LAST TANGO WITH MARLON now up at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon.htm
You'll see the iconic "Mr. Jazz Himself" an Irving Berlin gem I unearthed for the show, and the swordfight sequence, one of my absolute favorites.
There are seats still available for Feb. 8, 9, 15, 16 -- reservations strongly recommended!
(323) 667-9113 Business hours only please. See ya there!
Fletcher Rhoden
The reviews are coming in and, to reflect the universal opinions of our audiences, it's so far, so good. On the political website Mayor Sam's, Joseph Mailander called LAST TANGO WITH MARLON "A funny and touching play" noting Raf Mauro as Wally Cox is "A constant delight." UpCurtain agrees, calling Mauro's comedic timing "Exquisite." Check out the entire reviews at www.fletcherrhoden.com/reviews.htm
TWO CLIPS from LAST TANGO WITH MARLON now up at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon.htm
You'll see the iconic "Mr. Jazz Himself" an Irving Berlin gem I unearthed for the show, and the swordfight sequence, one of my absolute favorites.
There are seats still available for Feb. 8, 9, 15, 16 -- reservations strongly recommended!
(323) 667-9113 Business hours only please. See ya there!
Fletcher Rhoden
Saturday, February 2, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON opening night recap
Well, bloggerinos, we made it out of our opening night with all limbs in tact. No police were called, no fires were started, no riots broke. What more can a production ask? Our packed house was very appreciative of our little play, and we know the rest of our audiences will feel the same. Care to find out for yourself? Come down to Mt. Hollywood on Prospect Ave (4607) and find out -- just $20 a ticket, which includes free street parking and free refreshments. Yummy. Reservations strongly recommended. (323) 667-9113.
Monday, January 28, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON preview recap
Greetings, Bloggadeers -- just grabbing a moment to let you all know what a great success our preview of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON was. Our nearly filled house was very enthusiastic, and reports I got afterwards were universally positive. There were no great mistakes, sound and lights came off nearly without a hitch. We did pick up a few nice things to think about on Friday for our Opening Night -- speaking of which, we are no longer taking reservations for Opening Night, as it is SOLD OUT. There are plenty of seats for Sat. Feb. 2 and the subsequent weekends, but since we're expecting at least 3 reviews next week, those reservations may get snapped up pretty quickly. It doesn't look like the theater will be available to us for an extension, so see this show while you can! All the info. you need is at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon.
One somber note was that Saturday Jan. 26, our preview, was the day Christian Brando died. While only appearing off-stage, Christian (and Brando's other kids) figure heavily into the play, so it was a particularly poignant thing to learn of his passing. And, like Wally Cox, he died young and under cloudy circumstances after years of self-abuse. I actually played the role in an uncredited cameo, which was especially strange. I may be passing the role off to Aaron Gordon, our stage manager, but for other reasons entirely. Our hearts go out to his family and friends for their tragic loss.
Check out the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON yahoo! group to read audience reviews as they come in -- or post your own. You can talk about Christian if you knew him, Marlon or Wally or whatever! It's secure, always free, and lots of fun. Thanks again for everyone who came out for our special preview, don't be shy about spreading the word! As for the rest of you, see you at LAST TANGO WITH MARLON!
Fletcher Rhoden
One somber note was that Saturday Jan. 26, our preview, was the day Christian Brando died. While only appearing off-stage, Christian (and Brando's other kids) figure heavily into the play, so it was a particularly poignant thing to learn of his passing. And, like Wally Cox, he died young and under cloudy circumstances after years of self-abuse. I actually played the role in an uncredited cameo, which was especially strange. I may be passing the role off to Aaron Gordon, our stage manager, but for other reasons entirely. Our hearts go out to his family and friends for their tragic loss.
Check out the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON yahoo! group to read audience reviews as they come in -- or post your own. You can talk about Christian if you knew him, Marlon or Wally or whatever! It's secure, always free, and lots of fun. Thanks again for everyone who came out for our special preview, don't be shy about spreading the word! As for the rest of you, see you at LAST TANGO WITH MARLON!
Fletcher Rhoden
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
LAST TANGO WITH MARLON preview this weekend!
Wow, bloggies, I can't believe how quickly the time has gone! We're gearing up for our big preview performance this Saturday night, 8 pm at Mt. Hollywood Theater in Los Feliz. It's a half-price performance (just $10) which is probably why there are only a few seats left (just over a dozen!) If you can't stand missing this great opportunity, call 323-667-9113 during business hours and make a reservation -- tickets for sale the day of the show only, cash only. There will also be six shows over the first three weekends in February ($20, including free street parking and refreshments!) For those of you who can't make it, we're expecting reviews from a few sources, so keep your eyes open! Heck, they'll probably be posted at the LAST TANGO WITH MARLON Yahoo! group and, after some time, at the REVIEWS page of the home site, Fletcher Rhoden.com. The actors are ready, I'm calm as can be expected. There's little more to do now but look back on a fairly snag-free pre-production and forward to what I'm sure will be a great run of a truly entertaining play. Beyond that, who knows?
One thing worth mentioning -- our second ad, featuring footage taken during a photo shoot earlier this month, has excited a lot of interest, popping up on sites all over the interne that I've never even heard of. I'll be taping the premiere, so look for clips to show up on Youtube, Metacafe, Yahoo Video and perhaps some of these other new sites that have inspired some folks to spread the good news about our play.
In related news, not quite as good, the novella of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON may not be ready for sale at the performances (certainly not for the preview) but in the interest of the book's excellence, I think it's fair to skip a marketing opportunity or two. I am including a coupon in the program, however, and interested parties can contact me directly and I will still honor the proposed bargain price of just $10 a book, autographed if requested (plus shipping.) The novella did turn out great thanks to the slight delay, so that's good news after all.
Thanks for your continued interest, and stay tuned as there is much excitement to come -- next blog, the PREVIEW REVIEW. See ya then!
Fletcher Rhoden
www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon
One thing worth mentioning -- our second ad, featuring footage taken during a photo shoot earlier this month, has excited a lot of interest, popping up on sites all over the interne that I've never even heard of. I'll be taping the premiere, so look for clips to show up on Youtube, Metacafe, Yahoo Video and perhaps some of these other new sites that have inspired some folks to spread the good news about our play.
In related news, not quite as good, the novella of LAST TANGO WITH MARLON may not be ready for sale at the performances (certainly not for the preview) but in the interest of the book's excellence, I think it's fair to skip a marketing opportunity or two. I am including a coupon in the program, however, and interested parties can contact me directly and I will still honor the proposed bargain price of just $10 a book, autographed if requested (plus shipping.) The novella did turn out great thanks to the slight delay, so that's good news after all.
Thanks for your continued interest, and stay tuned as there is much excitement to come -- next blog, the PREVIEW REVIEW. See ya then!
Fletcher Rhoden
www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
New ad up for LAST TANGO WITH MARLON
Hey bloggers! There's a new ad up for the upcoming world-premiere run of my new play, LAST TANGO WITH MARLON. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHsypBoUdow
Our Friday Jan. 25 preview has been cancelled, but the Saturday Jan. 26 preview is a go and filling up fast! After that, we'll have the first three weekends at the Mt. Hollywood Theater in Los Feliz at $20 a ticket. We strongly recommend reservations: fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com or 323-667-9113 during business hours only please.
There's lots more info at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon
There's also a new video on the VIDEOS page of my site, this one of a recent performance of my tune "(On the) Wings Of An Angel" with my friend Eva James: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tA8rJFtze8
Eva's been gigging lately to promote the two compilation cds to feature our recordings "Judgement Day (Galbraith)" and "I Love You, Now Change" (Rhoden/Galbraith) -- check her out at the Liquid Lounge in Long Beach from time to time.
See you soon at LAST TANGO WITH MARLON!
Our Friday Jan. 25 preview has been cancelled, but the Saturday Jan. 26 preview is a go and filling up fast! After that, we'll have the first three weekends at the Mt. Hollywood Theater in Los Feliz at $20 a ticket. We strongly recommend reservations: fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com or 323-667-9113 during business hours only please.
There's lots more info at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon
There's also a new video on the VIDEOS page of my site, this one of a recent performance of my tune "(On the) Wings Of An Angel" with my friend Eva James: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tA8rJFtze8
Eva's been gigging lately to promote the two compilation cds to feature our recordings "Judgement Day (Galbraith)" and "I Love You, Now Change" (Rhoden/Galbraith) -- check her out at the Liquid Lounge in Long Beach from time to time.
See you soon at LAST TANGO WITH MARLON!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
New ad up for LAST TANGO WITH MARLON
The new internet ad for LAST TANGO WITH MARLON is now up at Youtube, Yahoo video, metacafe and others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHsypBoUdow
Reservation lines are now open, Bloggerinos, and we're getting calls in from everywhere. There're only 40-50 seats per show, and just 8 shows including the two half-price previews (Jan 25, 26, 8 pm), so make those reservations while you can at fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com. We're looking forward to an excellent run, with lots of music, laughs and drama, not to mention a celeb sighting or two. There's more info at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon.htm
We had a photo shoot recently with my very talented sister-in-law Christine, and some of those pictures are now up at the Yahoo group, Last Tango With Marlon (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lasttangowithmarlon/). You have to join to see them, but it's free and safe and fun and the best place to interact with other fans of the play, the novella, or our boys Marlon and Wally. Or you might be fans of our cast, Frank Cavestani (Marlon) or Raf Mauro (Wally). Between them they've worked with everyone from Andy Warhol to Jerry Seinfeld to Oliver Stone. What a Thanksgiving dinner THAT would be.
In other news, my old conspirator Eva James recently joined me in a live version of a new arrangement of my gospel ballad (ON THE) WINGS OF AN ANGEL, which I hope will be on the net soon. There's already a pretty good band version from 2005 on Youtube, but this version is piano and vocals with a much churchier feel. Actually performed in a church -- Mt. Hollywood, where I am a member. I hadn't sung live since performing there last year, also in January. I actually kicked off the new year singing ST. JAMES INFIRMARY for the first time in over a dozen years. That was some party! No telling how much I'll get to perform this year, with the play and the clowning and the horror movies, but you never know. Robbie Rist keeps threatening to produce an album for me, but I think the odds are better that he'll direct the short film I wrote for him late last year, or be involved with a new horror film to follow up STUMP THE BAND.
We shall see, but either way the year's starting off with a bang, and also an awesome slogan: 2008 is gonna be great.
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHsypBoUdow
Reservation lines are now open, Bloggerinos, and we're getting calls in from everywhere. There're only 40-50 seats per show, and just 8 shows including the two half-price previews (Jan 25, 26, 8 pm), so make those reservations while you can at fletcherrhoden@yahoo.com. We're looking forward to an excellent run, with lots of music, laughs and drama, not to mention a celeb sighting or two. There's more info at www.fletcherrhoden.com/lasttangowithmarlon.htm
We had a photo shoot recently with my very talented sister-in-law Christine, and some of those pictures are now up at the Yahoo group, Last Tango With Marlon (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lasttangowithmarlon/). You have to join to see them, but it's free and safe and fun and the best place to interact with other fans of the play, the novella, or our boys Marlon and Wally. Or you might be fans of our cast, Frank Cavestani (Marlon) or Raf Mauro (Wally). Between them they've worked with everyone from Andy Warhol to Jerry Seinfeld to Oliver Stone. What a Thanksgiving dinner THAT would be.
In other news, my old conspirator Eva James recently joined me in a live version of a new arrangement of my gospel ballad (ON THE) WINGS OF AN ANGEL, which I hope will be on the net soon. There's already a pretty good band version from 2005 on Youtube, but this version is piano and vocals with a much churchier feel. Actually performed in a church -- Mt. Hollywood, where I am a member. I hadn't sung live since performing there last year, also in January. I actually kicked off the new year singing ST. JAMES INFIRMARY for the first time in over a dozen years. That was some party! No telling how much I'll get to perform this year, with the play and the clowning and the horror movies, but you never know. Robbie Rist keeps threatening to produce an album for me, but I think the odds are better that he'll direct the short film I wrote for him late last year, or be involved with a new horror film to follow up STUMP THE BAND.
We shall see, but either way the year's starting off with a bang, and also an awesome slogan: 2008 is gonna be great.
Best,
Fletcher Rhoden
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
