From Jill Ayers:
Hi Doug!
I attended your concert in Augusta, GA. Thank you for turing songs that
I’ve heard hundreds of times. I’ve not been so amazed by “Music of the
Night” since I first heard it two years ago. Thanks for bringing back
the magic. I can’t hear “Let It Snow” without laughing. Do you have any
performance horror stories you’d like to share? I hope to see you in
the Carolinas/Georgia again soon.
Jill, thanks for the messages and for your compliments.
I guess the horror stories seem few and far between, but here are a few memorable ones for your perusal.
Last year in Mississippi after singing “Music of the Night” we started our encore “New York, New York.” I always dread doing that song in an orchestra concert anyway. We got four bars into it and the fire alarm went off. The spotlight booth was on fire. We thought it was a big joke but we said a quick goodnight and quickly went for the exits. I guess the gods thought that song was inappropriate too.
On the day that Hal Prince (the director) came to see me do Ravenal in Show Boat on Broadway, we had a major glitch. A piece of scenery got caught and Rebecca Luker and I could not start our song “I Have the Room Above Her.” They had to stop the show for 15 minutes. Hal came backstage to check it out, and we all had a good laugh before continuing on with the show.
The first time I went on as Raoul in Phantom of The Opera, Colm Wilkinson lit my hair on fire during the mausoleum scene. I then had to deliver my next line “More tricks Monsieur?” Needless to say, I got a free hair cut and Colm felt terrible about it. Aided by the smell of burning hair, I thought my fear was more real that night than ever before.
Two years ago with the Minnesota Orchestra, the stage split in two and I fell off of it during “Too Darn Hot.” I really hurt my leg badly, but the audience thought it was part of the number. Go figure. I still have pitted edema in my leg from the fall.
Last summer in San Diego Jan Horvath was doing “Broadway Baby.” During the number there was a complete power outage. They took a 3 minute break to fix it, and she strutted back onstage and asked “Now where was I?” “Someday maybe……” and on she continued to the roar of audience approval.
At the Kennedy Center a few months ago I had about 10 people from my hometown in the audience. I wanted the show to be great as I was performing for them for the first time in years, and I was making my debut at this famous hall. During “Music of the Night” my mike went out half way through the number. I grabbed Christiane Noll’s mike and just continued. Then about 15 seconds later there was a complete blackout so the orchestra could not see their music in order to continue playing. I continued singing Acappella, and Marvin Hamlisch (the conductor for the concert) ran to the piano and began accompanying me until the lights were restored. The orchestra came back in for the end, and the audience loved it. So much for my debut.
Michael Maguire and I do high kicks at the end of Wilkommen. In Vail Colorado I split my pants completely in two. I know the audience noticed so I told them that “Only the first violin section knows what brand I am wearing.” Calvin briefs.
That’s the Show Biz!
Doug
From Teresa Strub:
Mr. LaBrecque, I attended your recent performance in “Bravo
Broadway” in Kansas city. I had been given the tickets by a client who
could not use them. I have to admit that I was not too enthusiastic
about a symphony “pops” concert. I don’t get the opportunity to attend the
symphony often and I usually prefer a classical program. I also do not
make a habit of writing to celebrities. However, your case is an
exception to both. I honestly cannot remember a musical performance that I
have enjoyed more. I sat in the second row fully expecting to be
entertained for a couple of hours, which indeed I was. What I was not expecting
was to be captivated by your performance. Particularly your performance
of “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Music of the Night.” All in all I had
only two disappointments from the evening, first the you were not the
artist to perform “Do I Love You”, Cinderella is one of my favorites,
and that I was not able to stay after the show to meet you and tell you in person how your performance elevated my spirit. I can honestly say that had I not already had plans for the following evening I would have returned to see the show again Saturday night. I looked at your schedule for the remainder of 2001 and was wondering if could find out if you will be in Kansas City again next year or perhaps somewhere not too far away. Thank you for a delightful evening of music.
Teresa, thanks so much for your kind words of support and praise. I hope to return to the Kansas City area very soon. Keep an eye on this site for my schedule, and please introduce yourself next go around!
Best,
Doug LaBrecque
From Wendy:
Hi Doug! My question pertains to the schedule you maintain. With
your such a hectic schedule how do you avoid burnout? Also, how do you avoid
overusing your voice? Hope to see you soon back in B.C.!
Wendy, In all honesty, it can be difficult to avoid burnout. I do try to
remember to be grateful for all of the opportunities that I continue to have.
On a bad day that can be difficult. Most of the time, I just feel burned
out on the travel. It can be stressful and tedious. Rarely does the singing
make me feel burned out.
As for vocal health, that is tricky. Overall health, and good life style
choices certainly contribute to vocal health. I am not neurotic about what I
eat or drink, but I do try to pay attention. I drink a ton of water on the
day of a performance. I avoid alcohol the days before a big performance(not
after!), and I try to pace my eating on the day of. I get plenty of rest,
and I stick with my voice lessons. A solid technique and full understanding
of your instrument are probably the most important element for me. Rarely do
I sing full out at the rehearsal. I sing a few numbers for the sound check,
but I try to be careful not to blow my voice out during the rehearsal.
Through the years I have seen many singers who lose their voices due to over
singing at the rehearsal or warming up way too much. I have also learned to
trust my technique. If I am really vocally fatigued, I will not sing at all
until 30 minutes before the performance when I will warm up gently for about
10 minutes. The crazy 8 show a week schedule of Broadway requires much more
pacing than the Symphony career the I have now.
I hope that answers your questions, and thanks for logging on. I am singing
in Fort Wayne next Valentine’s Day and in Elgin Illinois in October, perhaps
I will see you there?
All the best,
Doug LaBrecque
From John Liles:
HEY! I was so excited to see you because your my idol and it was just awesome! I
hope you remember me and my life long goal is to be the Phantom! I am a freshman
and in the top choir at my school and I’m going to be in a musical at our school
“Bye Bye Birdie” and I’m in the quartet part. I would do anything to be the
Phantom. Is there anything you can tell me to help me out? I have told my mom
that I am going to the University of Michigan! I hope you read this and that you
respond. Thank you so much for stopping in Georgia and I am sorry that the seats
were not filled and that I wish they were because you put on an amazing show. I
am going to see The Phantom of the Opera when you come to the Fox Theater. Thank
you for your time.
John, I wish you all the best with your budding career. I do think it is
important to further train yourself as both an actor and a singer.
University of Michigan would be a great choice for you after high school.
I will not be in the company of Phantom that is coming, but I will be in
Georgia very soon. I am performing with the Augusta Symphony on December
8th. Why don’t you try to come and give me an update on your training as the
next Phantom!
All the best,
Doug LaBrecque
From Julee:
Doug:
Hope you had a great Holiday time with your family.
I was wondering how did you become part of “Bravo Broadway?” How are people chosen to be part of it? I know that some people that are (were) currently in shows have performed with BB.
Can’t wait for this summer and your return to the Utah Symphony.
Julee
Julee, the show Bravo Broadway is produced by John Such. Being the producer,
John seeks out talent that he deems appropriate for the show. His one
requirement is that each singer has performed a leading role in a Broadway
show. He hired me for one concert about 4 years ago, and based on that
concert and other engagements, he decided to make me a regular in the show,
Bravo Broadway.
Also, I have had the opportunity to perform solo or duet engagements that
have not been under the auspices of Bravo Broadway.
I am very much looking forward to Salt Lake in the summer. I hope to see you
there, and thanks for logging on.
Doug
From Elizabeth Labrecque:
When and how did you start preforming?
Elizabeth, I started performing in High School when I joined the choir. I
later appeared in a swing choir and did 2 high school musicals. After that I
guess I was hooked.
I am eager to know your background and how we may be related.
Doug LaBrecque
From Bob and Carolyn McGuire:
I would like to take a moment to thank Doug for his wonderful
performance tonight in Richardson. We look forward to seeing him every
year at Christmas time and hope he will return next year. Thanks Doug
for bringing the Christmas spirit to Texas.
Thank you for such nice feedback. As you know, Richardson is very dear to me. I always look forward to my performances there, and I am always reminded of the generosity of spirit that permeates that community.
Have a wonderful Holiday season, and I will look for you some time in the future.
Doug LaBrecque
From Tiffany Beck: Hello Mr. LaBrecque –
I just caught your performance at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City and I must
say I was duly impressed. I was able to see Michael Crawford perform in Phantom
of the Opera in L.A. and I thought I would never find anyone who could top his
rendition of “Music of the Night.” I was wrong! You’ve got yourself a new fan.
As for the questions, what brought you to the University of Utah for two years
of school? Was singing at Lagoon (amusement park) a fun experience? Thanks
again for your incredible performance!
Thank you so much for your generous comments. It was a pleasure to be back
in Salt Lake City. Performing with the symphony made my homecoming especially memorable.
To answer your questions, I attended the University of Utah my freshman and sophomore year on an athletic scholarship. I was a one and three meter springboard diver as a child, and it was an honor for me to be named “High School All American.” Because of that, the University of Utah offered me a full scholarship. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to explore the West, and to have the financial burden of college lifted.
I worked at The Lagoon Opera House in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and in “Once Upon A Mattress.” The summers were a blast and were my first experience in a professional acting job. I have very fond memories
of my summers there, and I still am in contact with a few friends from those years.
You are most fortunate to live in such a beautiful state, I will look for you when I return in the summer with Bravo Broadway!
Happy Holidays!
Doug LaBrecque
From Susan: Hi Doug,
I was lucky enough to catch a performance of Bravo Broadway in Springfield MA
and was able to meet everyone after the show and I wanted to say what a great
performance you gave.
There were some questions that I didn’t get to ask you. We had talked briefly
about your performances in POTO and Les Miz. I know that you will be busy
touring this summer, but do you have any plans on coming to Broadway? Also,
what role did you enjoy playing the most? What song do you enjoy singing the
most?
Thanks for your time and thanks for being so kind for taking the time after
Bravo Broadway to talk to me.
I currently have no plans to return to Broadway. My concert schedule keeps
me fully committed for the coming year. I enjoy the symphony concerts so
much, I am not quite ready to abandon that to work on Broadway again. Maybe
I will reevaluate that in the future, but for now I prefer to stay put.
It is so hard to say what song I like singing the most. Like many singers, I
try to make my favorite song the one that I am currently singing. It would
be easier to tell you what songs I hate to sing, but that is another question
altogether.
I loved being a part of Phantom and Showboat. My roles in both of those
shows are probably my favorites so far.
Interestingly enough, like millions of others I was touched and moved by watch
ing Les Miz. Performing in it was a very different story. I found it
physically taxing, emotionally difficult, and vocally challenging. I would
not rate that year of my life as a particularly enjoyable one.
It was great to meet you, and thanks for checking out the website.
Long Live Les Miz,
Doug LaBrecque
From Nicole:
Hi Doug! I’m from Medford, Oregon, but I attend school in Baltimore
as a result I have been fortunate enough to see you perform in two different
cities, Portland (Bravo Broadway) and Baltimore (A Salute to Cole Porter, w/ M.
Hamlisch and the BSO). I was actually rather surprised to see you here in
Baltimore, since I had bought the tickets without actually knowing who the
performers were going to be. You were absolutely fantastic in both cities, with
both orchestras, and I hope I will have the chance to see you perform again!
Any plans to come back to Baltimore and/or Portland?
Nicole, I was asked to return to sing with The Baltimore Symphony, but due to
a schedule conflict I will not be able to make it. No plans for Portland
either, sorry! Thanks for your kind words, and keep checking the website for
updates. I often sing with The National Symphony in Washington, so maybe I
will see you there sometime soon.
All the best,
Doug
From Shelley: Hi Doug,
I’ve seen Bravo Broadway 16 times now, 7 featuring your great voiced self. I’ve
always wondered
a) do you guys get together in a big room & have BB rehearsals?
b) who decides who sings what songs?
c) does John Such know that there are other composers besides Andrew Lloyd
Webber & Rogers & Hammerstein?
Can’t wait to hear you again.
Shelley
Shelley-We generally rehearse on our own, then get together in the city where
we meet for an additional rehearsal. The Bravo Broadway songs are chosen by
the producer, although we often have a great amount of input. The songs of
Rodgers and Hammerstein are considered true American classics, so they tend
to be often requested by the symphonies. Not all of our shows contain R&H
material, but being pioneers of American Musical Theater, their contribution
cannot be denied. Andrew Lloyd Webber is immensely popular with audiences,
so his songs are always included in our Bravo Broadway concerts.
Particularly because Jan Horvath was in the original Broadway cast of Phantom
of the Opera, and I was a part of the show for many years.
If you get a chance to see Bravo Broadway again, call ahead to see what
program that we are doing. Both Bravo Broadway Today and Bravo Broadway 3
are more contemporary and have no R&H songs at all. In addition, when I am
called to perform a solo show I rarely include much R&H, because it is so
over done, and other than “Music of the Night” I don’t sing any other Andrew
Lloyd Webber. If the song choices were mine, I would tend to find a few
little gems that are rarely performed, and combine those with the favorites
that symphony audiences expect. It is a wasted opportunity not to expose
theatergoers to some of the amazing repertoire that exists in the Musical
Theater tradition.
I Look forward to seeing you at one of my concerts, and thanks for logging on.
Doug
From Rebecca: I attended Bravo Broadway in Mobile, AL and met you and Michael
Maguire afterwards. I thought you were all excellent. I am a Sophomore voice
major and I was wondering if you have any suggestions about gaining stage
experience while I’m still in school. Also, are you planning to return to
Mobile for Bravo Broadway next year?
I think the best thing for you to do is to audition for everything. Summer
stock, regional theatre, school musicals etc. If you are truly interested in
gaining the required stage experience to have a career, then you might as
well dive in now.
We are already booked to sing in Mobile, so we will see you next year. Talk
to me afterward to let me know your progress in your budding career!
Doug
From Allan: Doug, First off let me say that I really enjoyed you Bravo Broadway
performance in Mobile, Alabama this weekend. I was a musician in the orchestra
and have always loved opera and Musicals. I have worked for the Ohio Light Opera Company in Wooster Ohio, and it has always been my dream to be in a pit orchestra for a Broadway musical. What I wanted to know is how much time do you guys spend on the road with the Bravo Broadway tours and all? And will you be back in Mobile next year? Looking forward to seeing you guys again.
It is hard to put a specific number of days to our Bravo Broadway schedule,
but last year and the year before I performed about 36 weekends a year. Some
of my concerts are solo or duet shows, but most are with the Bravo Broadway
group. We are scheduled to return to Mobile next January. I look forward to
seeing you then!
Doug
From Dolores Oberg: Doug, I saw your performance through the Elgin Symphony at
the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg IL. What a magical experience!
Your finale’ from Phantom of the Opera had us all spontaneously standing and
shouting “Bravo!”. I treasure the CD I purchased (the one you signed “With
Love”…sigh) and would like to find out how to purchase another one. Your
clarity, enunciation, and emotional projection are truly a work of art. Count
me among the ardent members of the Doug Labrecque fan club…..to appreciate my
praise, you have to know that I haven’t been in a fan club since I was the
President of the local chapter of the Perry Como fan club in the ’50’s. Please
put me on a mailing list so I can get to your performances, whether far or near.
Thanks so much for an amazing performance. P.S. The ESO was pretty good, too!
Planning a return visit soon?
Thank you for your kind words. I had a wonderful time performing with the
symphony in Elgin, and the audience response was thrilling. I don’t know if
you were aware that the conductor Phil Baumann and I are both from the same
town in Michigan. I have not been invited back yet, but I would welcome the
opportunity to sing with your fine symphony again.
All the best,
Doug
From Robin Whitaker: I attended your Battle Creek Christmas Concert last year, and
enjoyed it very much. My daughter went to preschool with your nephew Zack, and
for her 10th birthday I took her to see The Phantom in Toronto, since she loved
the music. She has taken voice lessons, and is blessed with a singing voice
(others say this, not just me!). Whar advise do you have for someone who can
sing & is interested in theater? Thanks
Dear Robin-That is a frequent and often asked question to me. I think it is important to let the calling play itself out naturally. If she loves it so much and cannot do anything else then you will know that. I believe pushing her too hard at this young age can be a big mistake. Whatever path she
chooses I think it is most important for her to experience her childhood to its fullest. If she chooses the arts, then all of those wonderful memories can do nothing but help her. As far as voice lessons are concerned I certainly would not recommend them to a young girl. High school at the earliest. Keep her interest piqued by taking her to a concert, the ballet or to a touring musical. Talk about music with great respect and reverence.
Turn off the TV every once and a while and listen, really listen, to an album like West Side Story and then ask her what she liked about it. All or any of these ideas will instill a love and respect of the arts, and then the rest will come naturally. I hope I have helped and thanks for logging on.
Doug
From Kimberly Dufour: I really enjoyed your performance in Richardson…..I was able to escape
into the wonderful world of music and forget everything but the warmth and
the smiles and the spirit of Christmas……Thanks so much….I also enjoyed
meeting you and your brothers at the Ryan’s party….it was a delightful
time…..Kimberly
Dear Kimberly-
Thank you so much for your nice note. As you know Richardson is near and
dear to my heart. I so enjoy the symphony and the wonderful conductor Anchel
Brusilow. It is always a musically satisfying experience, and I have never
been treated with more kindness in all my travels. Please give my love to
the people of Richardson, Texas, and I will see you all again in December.
Doug
From Daryl Scott Hendrix: I grew up around music and It is always inspirational to
see people I know, I also share your enthusiasm for music. I would like to know when you will be preforming near
Battle Creek. And can’t wait to see you perform.
Congratulations Doug and take care,
Scott Hendrix
It is so nice you have so much music surrounding your life and thank you for
your kind wishes. I don’t have immediate plans to perform in the Michigan
area, but there is slight chance that I may be in St. Joseph, Michigan in
May. I am scheduled to go to Shanghai, but that is not cleared with the
government yet. So, if I don’t go there I will be with the SW Michigan
Symphony. Stay in touch and thanks for logging on.
Doug
From Wendi Parrott: Dear Doug,
Hello, first and foremost. My question is if you have any new productions in the
works right now or will you continue with the solo concerts and “Bravo Broadway”
concerts? Also is are there any plans for a return to the cereal city (Battle
Creek)?
Dear Wendy,
I am planning on sticking with the Bravo Broadway concerts, and other
symphony concerts for the time being. I really enjoy getting the opportunity
to travel to so many wonderful places throughout the world. I have now been
to certain symphonies three and four times and I am getting to know some of
the musicians and some of the fine conductors out there. It is also nice to
see familiar faces out in the audience! Right now, I do not have any plans
to perform in Battle Creek. It is always so special to sing there, so I am
hoping to plan something in the next few years. Best of luck to you, and
thanks for logging on.
Fondly,
Doug
From Renee: I have seen you perform live twice when you were in Duluth, MN.
Just this last time I met you backstage. You were excellent!! Any chance you’ll be back next year?
Thanks for your kind words. As for next year in Duluth, I do not know yet. If the audience response demands it, we usually make a return. I enjoy visiting Duluth, it is so scenically beautiful, so I am hoping to see all of you up there next fall!
Sincerely,
Doug
From Brett: How did you get involved with musicals?
Well, when I was 12 years old my mother took me to see Man of La Mancha, and
from then on I guess I was hooked. I was deeply moved by the power of
theatre. I was a wide eyed impressionable young kid and I couldn’t believe
how a musical could cause me to think, feel, and to be in awe of all the
actors on the stage! Of course it was only a summer stock production (at the
Barn Theatre in Augusta, MI.) but to me it was truly inspiring. I went on to
the University of Michigan to study theatre, and the “bug” continued. As I
get older, it gets rarer and rarer to be truly moved by great theatre, but
when it happens, I am always reminded of how special it is to be a part of
this career. I would not trade my last ten years for anything.
Thanks for asking and logging on.
Sincerely,
Doug
From Laurie: I was wondering what musical is your favorite? And what musical you enjoyed working on the most?
The musical I enjoyed watching the most was probably the Carousel revival.
It was profoundly moving, exquisitely staged and wonderfully performed. I am
not one for reinventing the “Classics,” but for Carousel somehow it seemed
refreshed by the revision. People had problems with the lackluster singing,
but I was able to see beyond it and I enjoyed some of the most poignant
musical theatre moments that I had ever witnessed.
As far as the show I most enjoyed working on, I would have to say Showboat. Getting the opportunity to work with Harold Prince was a true pleasure. I
have always maintained that Phantom is successful because of Hal’s vision. I
have seen Phantom numerous times through the years, and I am always astounded
by the theatricality of the show. It is skilled in ways that people don’t
realize. So working with a master from the initial stages of a “new” musical
(A new revival nonetheless) was a great lesson and the most enjoyable of my
career.
Doug
