Haviland Stillwell

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2009-12-01T21:54:00.001-05:00

EASTWICK update

2009-11-12T10:38:00.002-05:00

Please watch on Wednesday, November 25 at 10pm on ABC! The episode is going to be HOT!

Sadly, we have received news that the show has been cancelled, after the 13 episodes air. However, there is hope! If you want to lend your help to the "SAVE EASTWICK" campaign (I love the peeps who started this on twitter), you can click here to email ABC.

You never know!

EASTWICK update

2009-11-04T10:22:00.003-05:00

As of now, my episode of "Eastwick" will NOT air tonight, as originally reported. Most likely, it will air on November 18. Never fear, I will keep you posted.

This is how I feel about Maine and all the disgusting and bigotted "props" --

What do you Want? Make a Decision!

2009-10-30T10:46:00.003-04:00

New post on California NOW today about ending the fat talk and emphasizing the smart talk. CLICK HERE!

you can still FEEL happy

2009-10-23T10:52:00.001-04:00

"After all, if you haven’t noticed, life itself is generally one big crisis if you’re unlucky, or if you’re lucky, life is a path vacillating heedlessly from meltdown to crisis to the stuff that happens between crises with occasional bursts of bliss, happiness, sexual intercourse and laughter. The key is to recognize that life isn’t going to be easy, the answers won’t always be obvious, but you can still spend every day laughing, making out, and waiting for the next joke. You can still FEEL happy."

-Riese

From California NOW: Truly (truly truly) Outrageous!

2009-10-20T16:59:00.002-04:00

Originally written for California NOW...

As little girls, a typical wish list for super-heroines we wanted to be included Barbie, Jem and She-Ra. My friends would fight over who got to "be" whom for the day. I, however, never had an issue with these "good" girls. Though I watched their shows and played with their action figures, the characters who were of real interest to me were the ones with the darker, more intricate storylines. The real heroines to me were the ones who had to struggle to be seen and heard.

I liked the bad girls.

My favorite was Pizzazz and her band, The Misfits. (For those of you not born in the 80s, she was the nemesis to Jem and the Holograms.) Basic plot: fighting between the bands and the girls over one boy and who was going to top the charts. Very important stuff.

Pizzazz, like most of the "evil" characters, was so much cooler. She definitely had the sexier costumes - darker shades, eyeliner and hair. Bad girls were always so focused on a goal, and really had to fight for themselves. They were always painted as being the bitch, but the need and portrayal of their fight was so compelling.

Sadly, their fight was generally with other women. I understood the focus and ambition of wanting to be the best, but I didn't want to play the game of stepping on other women in order to have my dreams come true.

One woman's success is not another woman's failure.

The girl Pizzazz was up against, our star, was Jem, was viewed as being perfect. We were supposed to cheer for her. She was pale, blonde, and always clad in pink. And, take their names: Jem and the Holograms? A hologram is basically an optical illusion - thereby, a fake! Pizzazz's band, The Misfits? A group of people who are outcasts, whose lead singer's name is, by definition, "an attractive combination of vitality and glamour"? Why wouldn't I want to be Pizzazz?

Why was I so much more intrigued by these "evil" characters?

It all goes back to the question: what is good and what is evil? Who makes that decision for all of us, and what makes one woman's goal more acceptable than another woman's goal? I always wanted to know the story behind the need of the evil girl. What happened to her to make her so miserable? Why did she feel that the only way to get ahead was to diminish the girl who was generally considered to be "good," pretty and sweet?

Why were we taught by our childhood cartoons that to be competitive and powerful meant being evil and, at the end of the episode, punished?

These women were focused, powerful and sexy. I love that they were my favorites. I want to collaborate to create characters for our current little girls to grow up wanting to be; characters who have the qualities of these "evil" 80s villains - focus, drive, power - but without the added cruelty that makes them destroy other women in order to achieve their goals.

Wouldn't it have been cool if Pizzazz joined forces with Jem and created a killer concert tour? (Lilith Fair!) Here's my challenge to all you brilliant writers and show runners out there: create more characters like these girls, and let them get what they want. I'm here to read and collab.

When the Saints Go Marching into DC, This Weekend

2009-10-07T20:15:00.005-04:00

My latest guest blog is up on California NOW. I talk about the reasons we're marching and a bit of my history as a baby activist. READ IT HERE!

National Equality March Info

2009-10-05T10:49:00.008-04:00

The National Equality March is this weekend in Washington, DC!

We have one collective demand, and here it is, from the official website:

We are guaranteed equal protection under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Free and equal people do not bargain for or prioritize our rights. Full equality necessarily includes all members of the LGBT community and encompasses, but is not limited to:

The right to work our jobs and go to school free of harassment and discrimination.
The right to safety in our daily lives, and protection from hate crimes.
The right to equitable healthcare, and the right to donate blood.
The right to equitable immigration policies.
The right to marry.
The right to serve in the military openly.

Many bills currently exist to address some of these issues, but we do not support a piecemeal strategy. We seek one federal solution to full equality.

EASY, right?

I'll be there, documenting it, this weekend.

I find this interesting: Top 10 Reasons Conservatives Support the March.

From the article on Queerty last week, “much gets said about "activism." Leading "activists" make easy targets...Oct. 11 isn't about them. It's about you. It's about us. And it's not even about "activism." It's about the right to live in a free country as equals. It's something we've all been raised to believe isn't just possible, but fair and just.”

I have a longer piece I'm working on, which I'll post this week, on the California NOW site. Obviously, I'll link to it here.

If you have any questions that aren't being addressed about the march, the logistics, the issues, post in my comments section and I will get the answer! This is important!

First Post on California NOW

2009-10-03T09:58:00.001-04:00

To see my first post for my guest month over at the California National Organization for Women, CLICK HERE.

CA NOW

2009-10-01T17:59:00.002-04:00

How now, CA NOW?

I'll be guesting at the California National Organization for Women for the month of October.

Read the full intro bio article HERE!

Also, have you made your plans for the National Equality March yet?

Emmys and Witches

2009-09-21T20:21:00.002-04:00

I was very fortunate to attend the Emmys and see the lovely Kristin Chenoweth take home the statue. Glorious acceptance and very exciting evening! I'm so happy to be in this world of the teeee veeee now.

I'm shooting the new series "Eastwick" this week. It looks to be a really funny show, and my character is very fun!

This isn't mine, but it's shiny and pretty, right?

Press for MISS HAVILAND STILLWELL, ET AL...

2009-09-17T10:00:00.003-04:00

Here I am on THE RYAN O'CONNOR SHOW, discussing the web-sensational show coming up at M BAR!

And the press release for the show, featured on broadwayworld, click HERE.

Come to MBar on Sept 18 at 8pm!

2009-09-11T13:42:00.001-04:00

Miss Haviland Stillwell ET AL, performing live at M Bar in Hollywood. Click HERE for more information!

I will be doing a set and bringing in some amazing guests! Alexander Georgakis will be on the ivories, with these hot hot hot singers: Rose Bae, Malcolm Devine, Kristy Hanson, Rayne Marcus, Ryan O'Connor, Jonathan Sexsmith, Brooke Tansley and Jake Wilson!

FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE!!!

You're All Very Beautiful

2009-09-04T11:33:00.002-04:00

A little hello for your holiday weekend.

Welcome to Haviland Stillwell Dot Com - You're all Beautiful from Haviland Stillwell on Vimeo.

And also, there's this, which I would highly recommend:

Gotta Get Up: Q&A

2009-09-03T16:16:00.003-04:00

Q: As an actor, how do you keep your energy up to give your best when you perform? Do you take it easy during the day so you have energy reserves for the night? Is it all done with coffee?! I was wanting to know how you achieve a work/life balance.

A: What a discussion topic! Obvs, the biggest components to gaining energy are sleeping and eating. I don't drink coffee, but I drink Diet Dr. Pepper! (I'm always trying to quit)...I wouldn't advise the caffeine...but green tea and other natural products can be great?

When you're performing on Broadway, rare is the day you have entirely free to "take it easy." You're always doing readings, auditions, meetings, rehearsals, working out, teaching classes, and then there's - omg! - your personal life! And then you go to the theatre and the magic happens. And by that I mean, a lot of people get really exhausted.

When you're working on a film or television set, a work day is generally 12-14 hours. A lot of the day could be just waiting. During that time, you have to find a balance for yourself of downtime and "on" time. You can't be "up" all day - you will quickly burn out.

Being a professional in the entertainment industry is so much about management - of your expectations, your time, your energy, your health, your career, and prioritizing it all to make sure you do have a healthy personal life. I cannot stress the personal life enough! We have to have loving, supportive connections to other people in order to do our best work, and that is one of the only generalizations I'm comfortable making.

So, the simple answer? I am naturally "high energy." I have often been called "electric," because I can turn on when I need to, but when I need to revive my energy, I can shut off. I know a lot of people who remain more on a consistent plane at all times, but for me, it's very important to have downtime where I am alone and quiet.

And to stretch! And listen to my body! And be in the sun! Hope that helps?

Stirring the Cauldron

2009-08-21T22:35:00.003-04:00

Hi! It's actually Haviland, the real girl, typing. Things have been happening - the obvious, that
THIS WEBSITE has gone through many changes! Alex Vega and Stef Schwartz, my designer and programmer, respectively, have done an amazing job!

If you notice, there is now a link for "blog" and one for "news." From now on, click on NEWS to hear about any Haviland-related career stuff - gig dates, things to watch, etc etc. And the BLOG, which is where you are now, will be my musings, just like the old days.

Recently, I did a Q&A on This Girl Called Automatic Win with questions I received from various commenters who had things they wanted to know/discuss, and it was so refreshing and fun, I thought I'd continue a segment like that on here, from time to time. So, read said Q&A BY CLICKING HERE, and comment on my blog below, anything you'd like to discuss. Please remember when you're asking the questions, I'm a lady. I wish there were an emoticon for "Big smile that employs polite batting eyelashes, but also gives an air of intelligence and humor." So...imagine that. Those of you who have seen my work know what I'm talking about, yes?

So, there is more to come. A lot more. I'm developing some characters for you, and as per usual, I'm really fired up about the political and social climate in this country. I wish we could just start over. When an experiment doesn't work, just start all over again. I guess that wouldn't work, but it all just seems to frustrating and inefficient and I don't think anyone knows how to get out of this.

I think the only thing to do now is to inspire and to be inspired. I've been turning to the people I believe in who I feel are doing good things, both for themselves individually and for the local and global community. I strive to do both. And here I am, showing you that.

Follow Haviland All Over That Internet!

2009-07-21T19:29:00.005-04:00

On the FACEBOOK

and over @ TWITTER

and even ye olde MYSPACE

NOH8 Campaign

2009-07-05T07:30:00.003-04:00

Check out Haviland's photo from the NOH8 Campaign. Shot by Adam Bouska in Los Angeles.

Haviland at ELEVEN, this Monday the 22nd!

2009-06-19T17:24:00.003-04:00

Haviland will be singing a set of musical theatre tunes at ELEVEN on Santa Monica Blvd. Click here for details! Come out!

Below the Beltway

2009-06-03T20:02:00.002-04:00

Haviland is now shooting the film BELOW THE BELTWAY in Washington, D.C....more info to come at a later date!

I'll Bathe in Moonfall

2009-05-06T15:49:00.002-04:00

Singing "Moonfall" by Rupert Holmes (from DROOD), arrangement by Brett Ryback, at WEST COAST DEBUTANTE.

Bright and Shiny and New

2009-04-30T15:28:00.001-04:00

Haviland sings "Glitter and be Gay" --

Lookin' Better Than a Body Has a Right To...

2009-04-30T11:00:00.002-04:00

Here's Haviland singing the "made famous by Dolly Parton" song, Here you Come Again, last week at WEST COAST DEBUTANTE --

Lemme go CRAZY...on you?

2009-04-27T16:37:00.002-04:00

From WEST COAST DEBUTANTE last week in Los Angeles.

"Paper Planes" from WEST COAST DEBUTANTE

2009-04-27T16:16:00.001-04:00

There are many more, but we wanted to get this one up, as requested by the VOTE! fans out there!

It's the Day of the Show, Y'all

2009-04-23T10:52:00.003-04:00

Are you coming to WEST COAST DEBUTANTE? We hope to see you there!

Tomorrow, You're Only a Day Awayyyyy

2009-04-22T11:37:00.002-04:00

WEST COAST DEBUTANTE IS TOMORROW! Do you have your tickets yet? If not, get on it HERE.

Also, check out Haviland's interview on the new website, bwaybaby.com.

Debutante PRESS!

2009-04-16T10:23:00.003-04:00

This week, see MissHaviland, discussing her upcoming concert,
WEST COAST DEBUTANTE, on autostraddle.com and on the webseries CAT ON THE PROWL.

To purchase tickets for the show, you can click HERE.

Haviland is pictured here with host Cat Davis, before a rousing game of basketball:

WHEN LILY CAME

2009-04-13T17:30:00.002-04:00

From the RATED RSO concert in Los Angeles last month --

west coast debutante

2009-03-31T14:53:00.004-04:00

Last week, Ryan Scott Oliver's concert, RATED RSO, happened. I performed two songs, and I'm told that they'll be on youtube soon. Obvs, no worries. I will put them here for your viewage, baby birds.

Here is the info for my gig with Upright Cabaret on Thursday, April 23 at 8pm. By clicking HERE, you can get all the details. To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Its going to be a really fun show - massively eclectic (literally, going from 80s pop to opera to country to musical theatre, and back again.) Amazing musicians playing for me, and two original songs - a song from VOTE! The musical, written by Ryann Ferguson and Steven Jamail, and an original pop song written by Kristy Hanson, who will be playing with me.

Everyone will wanna dress like me, Wait and See

2009-03-25T14:32:00.003-04:00

Taken this week by the wonderful Luis Aguirre.

To see others from the shoot, click HERE.

Here we come again...

2009-03-14T07:55:00.004-04:00

...Just when you've begun to get yourself together. Riese and crew have launched (worst word ever) the best new website on the interwebs, and I'm so proud of them and so impressed! Go there often, set your google readers, get involved. Let's save the world. And here you go, our advice column...

Concert in LALA Land - April 23!

2009-03-04T20:03:00.004-05:00

On April 23, I'll be doing a concert at Upright Cabaret in West Hollywood. It'll be an evening ranging from musical theatre to country, from bubblegum pop to opera. Details soon on ticketing!

February News

2009-02-11T11:22:00.003-05:00

Catch Haviland playing Fashion Police on Alexi's Closet. Aaaaand it's pilot season! Lots of excitement to come!

H&R Advice: The Hollywood Edition

2009-01-28T01:49:00.000-05:00

Sundance and Birthday and Change, oh MY!

2009-01-19T20:42:00.000-05:00

Sundance was amazing. "The Vicious Kind" directed by Lee Toland Krieger and "Toe to Toe," directed by Emily Abt are fantastic films, the swag was fun, and everyone had a great weekend running up and down and all around Main Street.

You say it's my birthday - thank you for all the wonderful well wishes I have received!

Tomorrow Obama will be our new president. You probably hadn't heard that. I'm glad I'm the one to scoop this information.

Whee!

Vote and AUTOMATICALLY WIN!

2009-01-06T10:40:00.005-05:00

Our congratulations to Riese, who has been nominated for one of the very prestigious WEBLOG AWARDS. Vote for her here for THIS GIRL CALLED AUTOMATIC WIN!

Happy New Year

2008-12-23T12:30:00.004-05:00

A message from Haviland to you:

Have a wonderful holiday week, take good care of yourselves, remember to breathe and laugh!

Many fantastic changes to come in 2009 - get ready!

Singing Giggage

2008-12-08T11:42:00.002-05:00

Upcoming places to hear/see me sing:

UPRIGHT CABARET HOLIDAY BLOWOUT
Thursday, December 11, 9pm

Kristy Hanson's Hotel Cafe Show
Monday, December 15, 7pm

A New Look!

2008-11-24T08:50:00.005-05:00

There's almost nothing I like more than a makeover, and that's what havilandstillwell.com is fixin' to get! Any ideas, issues, concerns (I know I'm opening up a possible can of something here...), fire your comments our way!

New York has been fantastic and I've met up with many of my colleagues and friends...is there a word to combine those? That's important in the entertainment industry, so I feel there should be...folleagues? Ooh, I like!

So while meeting with my folleagues, the movie NINE is going to be srsly hot, and Maury Yeston shared with me a short list of the actors who were vying for those roles -- I didn't feel so bad not to be in it after hearing that! I sat in on the rehearsal for ROSIE LIVE, which airs this Wednesday, and it's adorable. If you've been on the cruise, it's like a big, splashy Broadway Belters show. You should watch it.

There will be a relaunching of FLIRT, which is being worked out as we speak! Future guests are being booked, publicists are calling in, etc etc...it's excitant!

This Wednesday, Riese and I will be guests on Alexi's Closet at afterellen.com. More to come on that, but get ready!

Also, there's a new vlog on Auto-Win. Whee! Happy Thanksgiving!

Vote NO on Prop 8: Hav and Riese's PSA

2008-10-24T02:33:00.005-04:00

Riese is one of 8 pop bloggers, whose goal was to raise 8K in 8 days for the action against proposition 8 (which would ban the civil right of marriage to same-sex couples in California) . In four days, they have surpassed that goal, and are still growing. Enjoy our PSA to the citizens of Cali.

This is from my dear friend Sally Bondi, who is an actress living in south Florida. After watching this PSA, she wrote to me about being a Christian, and how bothered she is when people calling themselves "christians" spread such hate:

"God is love-- he preaches spiritual fruits, not religious nuts. God has the last say on good and evil- not people- In fact one of the commandments is DO NOT JUDGE. And what could possibly be wrong with people loving each other- there is no place in the Bible that backs up this type of bigotry. Lastly, God made us all just the way he wanted us- he made no rejects. It is up to us in this life to do justice to the gifts we are given. Amen or Awomen!!! I don't pay a whole lot of attention to idiots- they raise my blood pressure. I have found living totally out and totally proud has been maybe an example for those hate mongers to see- oh, she's just a person- who knows what they think, or don't think is more like it!"

To Be the Mother of the Nation

2008-10-07T07:29:00.004-04:00

Part 2 of 3 of the Alice Piesecki interview with Sarah Palin. (who strangely resembles Haviland Stillwell) Part 1 is below. Happy debate day!

Edited with love by Riese.

When I Grow Up...I Wanna Be Tina Gey

2008-10-03T02:30:00.004-04:00

Nobody does it better than Ms. Fey, but I wanted to do this. She's so ripe for it, this Palin Chick. Edited fantastically by Ms. Riese.

Mini Vegas

2008-08-26T11:48:00.003-04:00

I've been shooting a series for Mini Cooper for the past week in and around Vegas, baby, VEGAS! Here are some random shots taken off camera. There will definitely be more to come!

H&R Advice Column?

2008-08-14T11:08:00.002-04:00

Clips from the cruise, giving some advice with Riese, and general silly times had by all...

I've been told I have passion...

2008-08-06T09:53:00.003-04:00

New interview up from Jane Devin, featuring yours truly, if you click here.

You should also read this about Rachel Maddow. This woman is so remarkable, seriously. If anyone reading this knows her, please send her my way. I feel like we need to collaborate.

FLIRT........ Rosie Cruise Edition

2008-08-05T12:27:00.005-04:00

I went on the Rosie Cruise and flirted a lot...and you have proof!

This edition of FLIRT with Haviland Stillwell features interviews and performances by Daphne Rubin-Vega, Christine Ebersole, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Julie Goldman, Rosie O'Donnell and many more!

Also, Jane Devin is doing a series this week on women's fearlessness and passions, and is interviewing me for it! My piece should be up tomorrow, but today, musician Jen Foster is the feature!

THE BATTERY'S DOWN, Episode 7

2008-08-01T19:44:00.002-04:00

Featuring me as "Ellen"! On the Ro boat!

PART 1:

AAAAND...part 2...

FLIRT will drop on www.broadwayworld.com on monday!

i guess we're at our best when we're miles away

2008-06-19T20:31:00.009-04:00

AT LONG LAST! Here she is, baby birds...THE VOTE! SHOW! Me as Muffin Pasquinelli!

I'm off to New York to work on the June 30th reading of VOTE! Very excited that Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Idara Victor and Landon Beard will be joining me, among others! Shortly thereafter, I'll be singing and blogging once again from the Rosie Cruise. The vlogs are going to be out of control, obvs.

Also, Riese and I have started a new advice column. If you have a lot of feelings, we have a lot of answers. You can send them to askautowin@yahoo.com, and the answers will be published here. ...

Jamaican me Crazy

2008-04-03T15:06:00.003-04:00

Here we are, Susan Powter and Haviland Stillwell, doing those things we do...in this installment, we discuss Catholic School vs. Paideia, movements, Susan's lovely waist, mysterious red things, Susan's son, the rocking on the boat, and the meaning of "Jamaican."

Tomorrow I'm driving across the USA, from Savannah, GA to Los Angeles, CA! Whee!

Also, how about this dude who is having a baby? I love challenging social and biological norms!

Flirting with Stopping the Insanity

2008-03-25T15:05:00.004-04:00

Vlog #1 with Susan Powter, from our adventures last week on the Rosie Cruise, wherein we discuss singing, escuela, Chaka Khan, botox, and flourescent. What makes the two of us so Jamaican? What makes anything Jamaican? Stay tuned for all the answers to these questions and more...

Love Will Keep Us Together

2008-03-23T19:07:00.002-04:00

On the last day of the Rosie Cruise, everyone trudges around, partly hungover and partly depressed, not wanting it to end! When you’re on this boat for a week, by about day four, it becomes the norm, and you start to assume you’ll always be in Utopia, with the same people and the same organic atmosphere (I know, this is an oxymoron being on a cruise ship).

The penultimate evening was “Heroes” night. The kids (and some enthusiastic adults) dressed up in a multitude of best costumes for the day, including all the superheroes, firefighters, and random pop icons. Gregg and Kelli, in gorgeous threads designed by Tony Award Nominee Bobby Pearce, were Mighty Mouse and Wonder Woman. They are always inspiring, the two of them, like the coolest camp councelors you’ve ever met.

I wore my own clothes and said I was Claire Bennet, Hayden Panettiere’s character on the series, “Heroes.” I could be an indestructible high school cheerleader, right?

That night in the theatre, Colin Sheehan hosted “Kids Broadway Belters,” which began on last summer’s cruise, and included me singing, “part of your world.” This year was even bigger and better, opening with “Circle of Life” from THE LION KING.

Jimmy Smagula donned a chef’s hat and performed “Le Poisson” from THE LITTLE MERMAID, followed by Shoshana Bean’s rendition of “Part of your World.”

Other shows represented were PETER PAN, TARZAN, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Original cast members from SEUSSICAL, Kevin Chamberlain and Andrew Keenan-Bolger reprised their duet “Alone in the Universe.” (yes, Andrew can still hit those notes! Very cool to hang out with him, after knowing what a sweetheart his sister is. What a family, those K-Bs!)

Kate Pazakis sang “Colors of the Wind,” the song Judy Kuhn made famous in Disney’s POCOHONTAS. Gavin Creel sang a sweet, “Rainbow Connection,” and the show closed with a very upbeat song from HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. The Belters show has generally been the passenger favorite, because what other cruise ship boasts true Broadway stars? The first year I was on board I performed right before Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis sang, “Wheels of a Dream,” from RAGTIME, and then I saw them later in the Dining Hall. (well, it’s not called the Dining Hall, but it reminds me of college-the informality of it all.)

It’s just really cool, actually. I can’t imagine a more fun vacay for anyone – especially someone who loves musical theatre, sunshine, chill people, and the freedom to just BE. It would have been amazing had these cruises existed when I was a kid. Seriously, everyone just go! You’ll love it!

After the kids were tucked away to bed, Jessica Kirson performed her very funny stand-up to a packed house, then we all hit the piano bar to hear Gavin sing, and then to the “northern lights” disco to dance the night away. Really, you have to power up to go on this trip, because you go pretty much non-stop. You really want to meet everyone, to hear everyone’s story.

Craig Ramsay said to me, “Everyone on board is documentary-worthy.” The struggles that most people have had to go through, the challenges…well, it just makes you really grateful that r Family exists. They really are pioneers. I always wish the most conservative Republicans could experience the beauty of this vacation – the love and light and sheer normalcy of parents who love each other and their children. It’s remarkable to see how very ordinary the families are, even in such individually extraordinary circumstances.

For the final show, Seth Rudetsky hosted and played a fantastic 70s themed concert. The afros were flying, Gavin Creel was wearing hot pants and tube socks, and most of the girls had some form of lamay on their persons, which, obviously, I love. (see the pics of me on my website for evidence of my love for metallic)

Jimmy Smagula opened with “Love will keep us Together,” with that hot bassline that gets everyone going, so to speak. What is it about 70s pop music that makes everyone smile, even those of us who weren’t alive then?

Other fabulous songs from the night included “I Will Survive,” “Enough is Enough,” and a soulful version of Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good,” sung by Julia Murney. (Go see her in Playwrights Horizon’s upcoming musical, SAVED! I saw the workshop and it’s a must-see, for reals!)

After the last shows, everyone ran around, frantically saying their goodbyes and packing, trying to make it to the piano bar and disco for their final hurrahs. Cortney Wolfson, Dani Spieler, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and I sang in the piano bar. Cortney, who I worked with in LES MIS, jokingly dedicated “On My Own” to me.

On my way to the Northern Lights, as I was waiting for the elevator, I struck up a convo with an adorable older (hetero!) couple. I assumed they were grandparents with gay children on board.

“Tell her what today is, sweetheart,” the man said to his wife.

“He’s making me tell everyone! It’s our anniversary – 55 years!” I smiled, congratulating them, and asked, “Are you on board with your children?”

“No. We have four kids, and many grandchildren, but it’s just the two of us…” I’m sure I looked perplexed, wondering why a straight couple on their 55th wedding anniversary would choose to go on a gay family cruise.

The woman answered my look with, “We are here to support. We love Rosie, and love what she does. It’s important to support.”

And there you go, kiddos. That’s the Rosie Cruise. It’s important, fresh - extraordinary in it’s ordinary. I hope to see you there this summer!

My Lip Gloss is Poppin'

2008-03-20T19:33:00.003-04:00

Can we talk about Shoshana Bean? Why this girl is not already on the Billboard Charts is beyond me. She sang last night at the piano bar, and was incredible. Shoshana riffs her way through everything, which is delightful. Watching her sing, riffing more intricately the longer she went, the higher the song, I actually continued to remind myself to relax my jaw and drop my larynx, which were tight out of awed confusion – like, how is she making that sound?

When I was about twelve, I was obsessed with “Suddenly Seymour,” and sang it basically around the clock. I was like a party trick, because I imitated the recording exactly, and adults were impressed. I decided I should start taking voice lessons, and my mom took me to a woman in Atlanta, who heard me sing, and told me I was doing everything wrong, and if I continued singing that way, I wouldn’t have a voice soon enough. Being entirely good, controlling, and panicky about that thought, I stopped singing almost entirely, opting to only sing very legit, and mostly classically. As the years have gone on, I am shifting that, but sometimes, like last night, watching Shoshana tear it up, I think, “what would have happened if I hadn’t ever gone to see that woman?” She shut me down, and I really believed something awful would happen to me if I kept simply singing that way. She could have been right, and I do believe classical training is the way to go, but with that must come a balance of freedom and fun! I was paranoid to even sing in the car without engaging my lowers abdominals. Seriously. Whenever I teach master (mistress?) classes now, I try to insill confidence, because conifident people are so much hotter. You know?

Anyway, I digress…Shoshana is a helluvan entertainer. Among the tunes was a Whitney Houston duet with Gavin Creel and a medley of songs sung by “characters I’ll never play,” including selections from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, DREAMGIRLS, and PORGY AND BESS. My personal favorite was an original song, which sounds like could have been written for Alicia Keys, called “Naomi.” (Download this asap, for reals…it could be a top 40 hit)

Two days to go, I’m having technical difficulties with cameras and uploading, but I promise there will be more words and lots of fun vlogging upon my return to the mainland.

Also, Danny Noriega told me I remind him of lip gloss, and therefore, my new nickname is “Glossy.” I love this, and have been substituting “I’m Glossaaayyy” for that “Bossy” song. It’s hot. It’s gloss. It’s FLIRT.

The One to Walk in The Sun

2008-03-18T22:20:00.004-04:00

She’s stunningly mesmerizing, that Cyndi Lauper. The first time I saw her in concert, I was four, and it was my first concert. My mom took me, and we were dressed in full Cyndi costume, which wasn’t a change for Mom, whose style in the 80s was often compared to Ms. Lauper’s. I remember wearing a side ponytail and mini-skirt, and watching her Molly Ringwald kick-dance onto stage to sing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” with pinkish spiky hair and a neon green frilly dress.

My second Lauper experience was two years ago on the Rosie Cruise, in Alaska, where Riese and I deemed the best costume of the day to be “the girls who want to have fun,” and I pretty much repeated my get-up from twenty years prior. We sat with Kelli and Rosie, screamed with excitement and cried when she sang “True Colors.”

And the third, Sunday night, seated with Susan Powter, watching Cyndi, who is delightfully ditzy and brilliant, vulnerable and solid. She asks the sound technician to adjust levels in the middle of her songs, she decides on the spot the style she wants to sing, and she hangs upside down in a chair at one point, just, you know, for fun. And the whole time, we’re all thinking, “This is the original girl who JUST wanted to have fun! And she IS!”

She and Rosie are going, once again, on the True Colors tour this summer, and you should go, because it will inspire you, and make you happy you’re alive.

Cyndi spoke about PFLAG, and how important it is for everyone to stand up for equal rights, especially those who are not personally fighting for them. This is a Cival Rights Movement, she said, and it’s most important for those people who are not facing the discrimination to stand up for those who are. She and Sharon Gless (from “Queer as Folk”) signed a pledge to stand up for equal rights.

We docked in Cabo San Lucas, and I went into town with a small group, including Danny Noriega. We all enjoyed the random tourists, who approached Danny saying, “Are you that guy?” He’d smile, shyly, and nod, and they’d yell, “See, honey, he IS that guy!” Awkward.

We met up with Ross the Intern, who took some pictures for his blog, and discussed plans for the evening, which were to include seeing the Comedy Showcase, hosted by ANT, featuring Jessica Kirson and Julie Goldman.

Later, on the boat, I sat with Susan again in the theatre, and took ridiculous pictures while we waited for the show to begin, as the rest of the audience watched us being silly. You know, here’s the thing, kiddos: you must Flirt your way through it. By it I mean life, and by Life I mean living.

Ro Ro Ro Your Boat

2008-03-16T22:05:00.001-04:00

Well, here I am, on my third Rosie Cruise! We are somewhere between San Diego and Cabo San Lucas at the moment, there are people on the Lido Deck dancing to “We R Family” and Cyndi Lauper is gearing up to show us her true colors!

My first r Family Vacations Cruise was July 2006, to Alaska, and the second, last summer, to the Caribbean. Rosie and I (and subsequently her family and r family) became friends while we were on Broadway together in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. I actually met Rosie when I was a little girl, working on the film “Now and Then,” before her talk show had started. She and Kelli invited me to perform on board after FIDDLER closed, and again last summer. This time was last minute – I literally decided three days ago to hop aboard.

There are many stories, obvs, but I want to let you know what’s going on here, because it’s a magical place full of magical people and things.

Last night was “Rosie’s Broadway Belters” Show, which Ro hosted, doing her stand-up act, which is what we all know and love about her – her sense of off the cuff warmth, truth, and familiarity. She makes everyone on this ship feel like they are a part of a rare, special and inspiring movement, one that she perhaps unknowingly lauched, when she started this company with Kelli O’Donnell and Gregg Kaminsky. People here can just be, and not have to explain why they love the people they love. It’s an ideal little world, actually. And this year, they are partnering with PFLAG, so the number of heterosexual family members seems to have expanded. (Not that anyone has to show a sexual identity card upon boarding) Nothing is sweeter than seeing grandparents playing with their grandchildren, no matter what genders the kid’s parents are.

On the boat, there are two performances of almost every show, to give people an early or late option. Also, as r fam veterans know, the early show is a little more G-rated.

Obviously, the LATE show is packed.

The show opened with a setting of “ohmigod you guys” from LEGALLY BLONDE, changing lyrics in the song to fit the campiness of the first night onboard, such as “no need to shave your legs – ohmigod!” In stead of Margot (or, in this version, Michael Lee) talking to Bruiser, he finds out that “Rosie’s totally freaking out” from the squirrel on her famous blog, Shady. It is always great to see many of the Team Members (an energetic group of people who are sort of like r family’s camp councelors) back each time, many of them performing. Sweet, sweet Megan Jacoby, one of the featured kids with two moms on HBO’s “All Aboard,” the documentary from the inaugural voyage, six years ago, now a young woman, is one of my favorites, and continues to grow as a person and performer every time I see her.

Former “American Idol” contestant, 18-year-old Danny Noriega, was personally invited by Rosie to sing “Tainted Love,” on the ship, and he did! He is adorable, and as Rosie said in her introduction, “Danny is what every parent hopes their child will be – not afraid to be himself.”

Other highlights: Shoshana Bean riffing her shoes off (literally – the boat was rocky and they were five inch stilettos, so she just kicked ‘em off) in stellar back-to-back versions of “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity” from WICKED.

Julia Murney and Gavin Creel, in preparation to sing from BABY, made the very exciting announcement that Julia had decided to carry a baby for Gavin, followed by a very funny Michael Lee holding up a sign professing, “not really.” It kind of made me wonder, Carrie Bradshaw like…what IF Julia Murney and Gavin Creel reproduced? I feel like on the day of that child’s birth, three million Broadwayworld message board users heads would explode. Right? It would be like the child of Bette Midler and Elton John, or Melissa Etheridge and RuPaul.

The show ended with “Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious” from MARY POPPINS. They taught me how to spell it, but obviously I was too fixated on Gavin’s adorable Justin Timberlake moves. Super cute, very fun night.

This morning, yoga with the exquisite and irreverent Susan Powter, (“if it’s not sexy, why do it? What’s the point?”) who will be appearing live with me, via internet, hopefully later this week…I know, promises, promises…

FLIRT with Haviland Stillwell

2008-03-05T14:33:00.000-05:00

I've been oh so sneaky, hiding this from you! Enjoy!!!

Pop up Video

2008-02-15T08:55:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged in awhile, because there's been a lot going on! I shot a talk show (more details to come next week) and the first "episode" of the VOTE! SHOW! More on this soon, too, but for now, a little teaser from Ryann and me, wherein we purchase one of the costume pieces for my character, Muffin Pasquinelli.

I'm heading out to Hollywood for a little while, so there won't be any Riese&Hav vlogs for awhile...to tide you over, here's a little vlog, leftover from the Miami trip.

I don't think blondes have MORE fun...Haviland as FANTINE, backstage on the Broadway

2007-12-30T11:41:00.001-05:00

Auto-Straddle Preview PLUS Strike Ends!

2007-11-28T23:54:00.000-05:00

1. The strike ended and we will all be back at work Thursday night!

2. Below is a preview of what will be the bestest season of "L Word" so far. Why? Because Riese's recaps are better than the show, and because, well, we've gone 3D now, and will be vlogging and vlogging some more on

http://theroadbeststraddled.blogspot.com

3. Enjoy!

BWAY on Strike, Day 19, and MOMA

2007-11-28T10:52:00.000-05:00

Still on strike, etc...The League and Local One are meeting RIGHT NOW! Exciting, exciting...

I'm doing a concert with The Civilians at the MoMa on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 11 and 12. I'm singing three fun little ditties by Debussy, Offenbach and Satie. A little different from what I've been singing in the past, oh, four years!

Here's the info:

Concert at the MoMA

Come one, come all! I'm sure my costume of the day will be worth it.

BWAY on Strike, Day 13, and Giving Thanks

2007-11-22T11:33:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! (If another person tells me "Happy Turkey Day" I might hit them) No, but for reals...This day was the day "our people" got together and shared food with the Native Americans, who they then spent years slaughtering and taking their land...so...erm, yeah.

Turkey day?

I've decided to make this day a little more like Yom Kippur - reflecting and giving thanks for the many wonderful things in life.

Hope everyone's day is fantabulous...vlog coming soon.

BWAY on Strike, Day 11

2007-11-20T23:43:00.000-05:00

Broadway shows are still not happening - Local One is still on strike - at least through this sunday. This week feels like I'm in college on Thanksgiving break.

Except in college I worked a lot harder than I am right now. In college, as many of you who are in conservatory-style programs, or who once were, will understand, I was always taking at least 18 credits, which translated to about 8-9 classes. I went to class from 9:30-6, fitting in practice room time somewhere in there, went to rehearsal from 7-11, and then home for homework. The weekends weren't much better. It was, obviously, worth it, and I worked really hard so that I could do many of the things I am now doing.

I was often really scared. I remembered that acutely today, when in a coaching for this MoMa concert, I was told to basically be less strict about the notes and just play more, I realized I still hold onto a lot of my fears from childhood and college. I was/am still sometimes always afraid of not getting it right. "It" being the pitch, the meaning, the interpretation, the choice, the analysis, the criticism, the look, the style, the phrase, the answer. The more I am growing, I'm realizing sometimes it's much better if you don't care so much. What once felt like a loss of control is starting to just feel shiny and free.

I have learned a lot this year about not caring so much. It's a lot more fun when you scratch away some of the rules you set for yourself.

BWAY on Strike, Day TEN - update!

2007-11-19T00:05:00.000-05:00

The talks have ended for the weekend, and it appears as though we are cancelled for another week, through Thanksgiving weekend.

Y'all...here's the thing: the entire structure of Broadway is going to have to change. And I think the time is now. The WGA thing is the same. Corporate theatre doesn't appear to be working. It's not working.

Anyway, wanted to update you...now in day 10...hm...

BWAY on Strike, Day 9

2007-11-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

NINE. And I'm not talking about the musical.

Srsly I haven't heard a thing. What's going on?

I am currently working on learning a few French classical songs for a concert I'm doing in a few weeks at the MoMa with Michael Friedman (who wrote the music for SAVED!, among other things). I'll tell you more about it when I know, obvs.

Also, i'm really thankful right now for everyone iny my life. I saw someone last night who I haven't seen in a while, someone who knows me - the part of me that's the most true - and she said I was different. I seem lighter, I seem happier, I seem more laid back. I smiled, and said, "I am."

There is so much change in the air, of which, usually, I am seriously not a fan. But, I see good things happening. I see the positive -- the possibilities.

Two years ago I felt very alone, and wanted, more than anything else, to believe that life was possible without people -- that I could really do it alone. My self-sufficiency is a blessing and a curse, and at that moment, the curse was taking over. I look back, because it's November, and this month is always full of drama and despair.

Right now, I know everything is going to be okay. And sometimes, that's enough.

BWAY on Strike, Day 6

2007-11-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

There really isn't much to say, and yet...And yet...

So much is happening. So much is changing, in a way that I am not sure ever has before. Someone on the picket line tonight said, "If this goes on past next Tuesday, then the world is ending, and if that's the case..." and then she kind of trailed off.

I do feel like the world is ending. Not just because of these strikes, not just because there was a fire in California, not just because Georgia has approximately 60 days left of drinking water. And not to mention everyone's relationship issues... (and it seems to be kind of heavy right now, no? Is it always like this?)

What is happening? I've been thinking a lot about longevity this week - how long I'll actually live, how long the world will actually keep turning. It sounds morbid, and well, it is...but am I living the way I absolutely want to be living? (no.) Should I be? (yes.) Can I do something about it? (oh yes...)

There are a lot of parallels between how ridiculous we all are individually and how ridiculous the country is, at large, at the moment. Corporations, producers, middle class, upper class, unions, independent entrepreneurs...money, money, money.

OK, time to start L-I-V-I-N.

BWAY on Strike, Day 4

2007-11-13T21:29:00.000-05:00

This is weird. It's weird to sort of be working, but not. It's weird that we're there, in limbo. It's weird that NO ONE IS TALKING. Midtown Manhattan is a tense place to be right now, and honestly, I wish we could all just go on vacation for a few days. Don't you feel sometimes that if everyone you are having issues with just took a break from life for a moment that it would be better?

Seriously, remember high school, when everyone would take spring break, and come back to school sort of refreshed?

There was a meeting today for AEA. The bottom line? We all want to get back to work, and we all want the League and Local One to go back to the table. And sadly, none of that is happening right now.

I will give you info as I have it. In the meantime, watch this video about the WGA strike - VERY informative.