Billy Van Zandt's "Drop Dead!" at Noho Arts Center

I don't have any witty comments regarding my silence during my latest endeavor "Drop Dead!" (which closed a month ago). I guess you can call me a big fat lazy turd. I'm okay with that. The truth is I was just having too much fun playing porn star Candy Apples in Billy Van Zandt's murder mystery farce. Billy wrote and directed this comedy at the Noho Arts Center. The cast included ME, Mews Small (the original Frenchie in Broadway's Grease!), Bill Doherty Jr, Barry Brisco, Timmy Alonzo, Claudine Claudio, Cy Creamer, Mark Vasquez, Grey Rodriguez, and Eddie Liu.

YES, playing the slow-witted bubble-popping sex vixen Candy Apples, I got to strip down to a playful little number every night and wiggle my behind for the adoring crowds. Ahh the life of an entertainer. My favorite review of course was:

"Shelly Hacco plays gum-chewing former porn star Candy Apples who takes on the role of Penelope in DROP DEAD!..  Penelope appears in sexy black lingerie through most of the show, adding even more appeal to every farcical situation that comes her way. And Hacco wears it well." - Broadway World

Just fooling! We got a nice amount of praise from reviewers and audience members alike. We're proud. Here's some to read if you'd like:

All About the Stage
Life in LA

My favorite part of this show was working with Billy. He is a master at comedy and taking his directions was like being an apprentice to a world renowned wizard. Thanks for the opportunity Billy!

Me with writer/director Billy Van Zandt! 

Picture time!

Shelly Hacco as Candy Apples. Barry Brisco as Piggy banks.

Cy creamer as Victor Le Pewe. Bill Doherty Jr. as Brent Reynolds. News Small as Constance Crawford.

Cast from left to right: Bill Doherty Jr. Cy Creamer, Timmy Alonzo, Claudine Claudio, Mark Vasquez, Barry Brisco, Eddie Liu, Mews Small, Shelly Hacco, Grey Rodriguez

Eddie Liu as Chaz Looney. Shelly Hacco as Candy Apples. Bill Doherty Jr. as Brent Reynolds.

 

"Abstraction" at McGroarty Art Center

Just now, I noticed that yesterday's page view count shot up from 0 to a whopping 18 views (from people in France, no less). I realize that this is pretty pathetic but being a person that usually has an audience of 0, I just want to say "Thanks France! I hope I didn't disappoint you. Consider this post dedicated to you!"

Sooo... what can I tell you about... I performed in a fundraiser last week for the McGroarty Arts Center (as a part of their "Arts at Play Festival"). We put on a fun sketch comedy show called "Abstraction" which was meant to poke fun at abstract art (you know... cause it's so dumb and all). Here's the recap:

It was written by Ryan Paul James and directed by Crystal Craft. It starred ME, Ronnie Marmo, Julianna Bolles-Morrison, Tanya Wilkins, Izzy Diaz, and Joe Dalo. Much to my surprise, it was extremely well-received and will probably resurface as a full length play at the Pacific Palisades Theatre in the summer. WOAH.

Cyrtal Craft and Ryan Paul James with a questionable piece.

The cast!

Backstage with Julianna, Tanya, and ME!

Backstage with the handsome Ronnie Marmo (he made me say that)

Backstage with Joe Dalo

"The Precipitations" are groovin' you back to the '70's

So I'm in a band now. We're called "The Precipitations" and though we're nowhere near "professional," we certainly can get you tapping your foot. Earlier this month, we played favorites like "Lean on Me" and "Try a Little Tenderness" at Burbank's "The Park Bar and Grill." Folks who came out to support were surprised (I think) by our funky jams, not to mention, our groovy threads. As usual, I surpassed all in the costuming department... but that's just how I roll, kid. Like a foxy mama, like a disco queen, I glided into The Park with '70's swank. And like every self-respecting class act musician, I got nice and toasty before the big performance (see picture below).

Getting freaky on the mic!

Turns out, we got asked to play again next month. March 1st is the date. Put it on your calendar. Actually put these exact words on your smart phone calendar and set a reminder - "The night I will boogie oogie oogie with the coolest cats in Burbank"