WEBVTT
00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:10.160
From the cast on stage and cruise behind the curtain, two community partners supporting efforts to bring professional Broadway performances to West Michigan.
00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:14.960
Plus, all things in between, this is BGR's Backstage Buzz.
00:00:17.519 --> 00:00:20.960
I am John for Pasqua, Marketing Director at Broadway Grand Rapids.
00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:24.320
And I'm Steve Stegetty, producer and BGR ambassador.
00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:31.600
It's the untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-busting, showstopping, award-winning American icon.
00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:41.759
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, a Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical, is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon.
00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:54.719
A Beautiful Noise is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir that tells the untold true story of how America's greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.
00:00:54.960 --> 00:01:06.879
Here with us today is Chris Marsh Clark, who is part of The Beautiful Noise, one of the soloists, and is the understudy for Neil, and who, by the way, performed during our season reveal last year.
00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:07.599
That's awesome.
00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:08.719
How are you doing today, Chris?
00:01:08.879 --> 00:01:09.920
Hi, I'm wonderful.
00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:10.560
Good morning.
00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:12.799
Thanks for joining us on the podcast today.
00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.959
Yeah, and uh, we're having some coffee with you.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:16.319
Where are you having coffee from?
00:01:16.480 --> 00:01:20.000
I'm having coffee just across the lake in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:22.159
Ah, all right, all right.
00:01:22.319 --> 00:01:25.200
So looking forward to having you back in GR.
00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:28.079
I know that you made a little pit stop for us last year.
00:01:28.239 --> 00:01:29.120
We had a great time.
00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:33.200
I got to meet you in person, which is always a joy to meet some of the cast.
00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:35.439
Tell us what you're looking forward to.
00:01:35.680 --> 00:01:40.239
Oh, well, I the first thing that comes to mind is the is honestly the Western Michigan White Caps.
00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:42.959
I do think there is maybe a game that we can go to.
00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:46.640
If not, I want to go get a hat because I love Minor League Baseball.
00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:55.200
But um, yeah, uh, I'm excited mainly to just go back to the theater that felt like the first that felt like the start of this tour for me.
00:01:55.280 --> 00:01:56.719
Uh can I tell a quick story?
00:01:57.040 --> 00:01:58.159
Absolutely, yeah.
00:01:58.480 --> 00:02:00.799
I I booked this job on a Friday night.
00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:03.680
In fact, it was February 9th.
00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:13.039
And then I find out that like I think it was the Wednesday that I was that we had closed on the deal that I decided that I was taking it.
00:02:13.199 --> 00:02:20.319
Um, I then got a call the next morning on that Thursday that was like, Can you fly to Grand Rapids on Monday and sing Sweet Caroline?
00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:21.840
And I was like, Okay.
00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:24.560
And then Friday I called our press rap.
00:02:25.039 --> 00:02:33.759
And then that Sunday before I flew on Monday, I went to the Broadhurst Theater where Beautiful Noise played on Broadway, went to the music supervisor's dressing room with the tour director.
00:02:33.919 --> 00:02:35.680
We sang Sweet Caroline twice.
00:02:35.840 --> 00:02:36.800
We talked about it.
00:02:36.960 --> 00:02:43.439
Monday morning, I got on a plane, I flew to Grand Rapids, and I was just praying I didn't forget the second verse.
00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:45.520
Well, I remember this story now.
00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:48.240
I remember this, and I mean you did phenomenal.
00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:50.560
It was like you were made for this part, you know.
00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:54.639
Um, and how long have you been now a part of this tour?
00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:58.800
I've now been on the tour over six months, almost six months exactly.
00:02:58.960 --> 00:03:02.240
We opened September 20th, so it's been just over six months.
00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:06.560
I want to take you back to childhood, if I may, or maybe adulthood, but where was that moment?
00:03:06.960 --> 00:03:14.800
Here's the easy question that moment when you were performing or about to perform, or a parent said, Hey, why don't you try this extracurricular activity?
00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:20.240
Where it clicked for you, where all of a sudden you said, Hey, musical theater or theater in general, that's what I want to do.
00:03:20.560 --> 00:03:21.759
I don't know when it clicked.
00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:23.280
I think it was just something I always did.
00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:28.400
My dad's mother was a uh professional pianist and she played on the on the QE2.
00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:32.560
And so she taught my brother and I music lessons growing up.
00:03:32.639 --> 00:03:35.199
I started taking guitar lessons in the first grade.
00:03:35.360 --> 00:03:40.960
Uh, that grandmother encouraged me to audition for uh community theater production of a Christmas Carol.
00:03:41.039 --> 00:03:44.000
It's the youngest person in in the cast when I was six.
00:03:44.240 --> 00:03:50.159
My mom will tell you a story about how I slowly gave all my lines away after being on great behavior.
00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:53.759
Slowly I didn't want to say my lines anymore, and I gave them all away.
00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:56.400
But it was, I think it's always been a part of me.
00:03:56.479 --> 00:04:00.159
I mean, I think I when I was four, I built a mic stand out of Legos.
00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:07.280
So I don't think there was ever really a like a time where it was that click moment that I know so many people have.
00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:18.319
But I don't remember what the moment was, but I do know that I think it was the end of my freshman year of high school was was when I thought, oh, I think I actually want to do that.
00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:19.759
Ah, okay, okay.
00:04:19.839 --> 00:04:24.879
Well, let me bring it current then to the actual show here where you are an understudy and you portray Mr.
00:04:24.959 --> 00:04:26.000
Neil Diamond here.
00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:31.519
Was there a particular song though, where you were up there on stage rocking it out where you said, Yeah, this is me.
00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:32.639
I've got this.
00:04:33.120 --> 00:04:35.439
Uh, Brother Love, the opening back too.
00:04:36.240 --> 00:04:37.120
That's the moment.
00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:41.839
And and I have really good reference for this because actually on Sunday I did both shows as Neil.
00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:47.040
So I I I I even remembered there was a quiet moment.
00:04:47.120 --> 00:05:02.240
I was just sitting on stage in between other characters' dialogue, and uh, I was kind of a of a memory of our uh Neil of our Neil Now character, and I just took a quick moment to go, me as Chris, oh, this is what I want to do.
00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:04.160
Like this is this is fun.
00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:05.680
This is what I like doing.
00:05:05.920 --> 00:05:09.360
So yeah, I have a little bit of of a reference for that.
00:05:09.600 --> 00:05:20.319
You know, when you played this part for the very first time, there's gotta be some sort of like, I've gotta nail this because it's not just a character, it is a person.
00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:27.040
So I would imagine, you know, like there is a different sense in portraying somebody that is still here with us.
00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:27.439
Right.
00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:29.680
And if I could jump in, he's got all that swagger.
00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:32.319
Like, how do you add all that in there while making that your own?
00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:40.399
There's there's a very real reference point for what it is, opposed to many characters like Dear Evan Hansen.
00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:45.279
If you're playing Evan Hansen, there is a lot of liberty of who that character might be.
00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:54.639
Um, Neil Diamond, for our Neil Diamond fans, is a very real person who sounded a very distinct way and moved very distinct way.
00:05:54.879 --> 00:06:01.680
So there is that that uh pressure or at least challenge to meet that expectation for sure.
00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:10.079
I I feel very lucky to have done um Johnny Cash and two productions of a Million Dollar Quartet, and I've done Jersey Boys twice.
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:15.439
So I've got a little bit of experience with portraying a person who is real.
00:06:15.839 --> 00:06:26.720
Um I always think it's about finding that middle ground between taking the research that you found and then finding where that intersects with who you are and who you are as an actor.
00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:38.240
And when you find that middle ground is when it reads not, in my opinion, as an uh impression, but as kind of like the spirit of the essence of Neil Diamond.
00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:39.360
That is very cool.
00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:41.040
So I have okay, a big important question.
00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:46.000
And maybe this has happened, but let's say you get done with a show and you walk backstage and the man himself is there.
00:06:46.160 --> 00:06:50.720
What is the first thing you'd want to ask him about your performance or portrayal?
00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:52.240
Did he just see me do it?
00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:53.199
He just saw you do it.
00:06:54.399 --> 00:06:56.480
In the story, in the scenario, yes.
00:06:56.720 --> 00:06:57.519
Oh my gosh.
00:06:57.680 --> 00:06:59.199
I don't know what I would say.
00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:01.360
I think I just go, was that it?
00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:03.279
Did I nail it?
00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:05.040
I mean, that's a potential, right?
00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:06.319
That could happen one day.
00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:07.040
It could.
00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:11.439
I mean, the closest thing I've got, I was in my um in my noise track.
00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:14.319
Um, our ensemble is called The Beautiful Noise.
00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:22.959
Um, I was in the noise, and I look in the wing and curtain call, and I see Katie Diamond, his wife, with Neil on FaceTime.
00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:23.759
Oh, yeah.
00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:37.920
And so it was just like we knew that that that Neil was gonna be on FaceTime with us in our curtain call, but it was just a moment where you look in the wings and you see Neil Diamond himself look like his face on the phone.
00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.680
I was like, that's cool.
00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:42.639
Um so that's special.
00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:46.319
And um yeah, it's I I have I have no idea.
00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:49.040
I think I'd be I would have no, I was just like, is that it?
00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:57.120
Because I I think go go going back to the question you asked a moment ago, is like uh we had an almost sold-out house on that Sunday matinee.
00:07:57.279 --> 00:08:02.639
I was just on and I like did clock in for a moment and bows and think, wow, I just performed beautiful.
00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:07.759
I I just I was just Neil Diamond for 2000 Neil Diamond fans, and I think they bought it.
00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:08.720
Uh-huh, right?
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:12.639
Well, I'm I'm a huge fan, so I feel like I'm jumping in here, but I I even have another one for you.
00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:17.040
So was there ever a time after being at many concerts before and just seeing how he works that crowd?
00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:20.240
Was there ever an emotional reaction or anything you saw down in there?
00:08:20.399 --> 00:08:23.199
I mean, some of the crowds I've seen, they go nuts, right?
00:08:23.360 --> 00:08:25.759
For some of these songs and when he lights into them.
00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:29.120
Do you ever remember reaction or looking out there and saying, I've got this audience?
00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:30.720
They are totally on board with this.
00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:33.120
Yeah, it was my first time going on.
00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:39.120
Uh, I was, you know, in my head and I was like, I is it going well?
00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:41.600
And I I didn't honestly think it was going well.
00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:42.799
It was going fine.
00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:51.279
I just had high expectations that I was singing Sweet Caroline at the end of Act One, and I saw a woman in like the fourth row just rocking out and swaying side to side.
00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:52.720
And I was like, okay, no, I've got him.
00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:54.799
Well, hey, Chris, are you gonna stick around?
00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:56.000
We're gonna play a game.
00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:57.679
So I promise you it'll be fun.
00:08:57.840 --> 00:08:59.279
Can you hang out with us for a little bit longer?
00:08:59.679 --> 00:09:00.399
Hang out for a game.
00:09:00.559 --> 00:09:04.720
All right, we'll be back to chat more with Chris after a word from our sponsor, Sharp Cars.
00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:09.039
Never settle unless it's into the electrifying BMW I4.
00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:13.759
Blend the lines of cutting-edge and classic with groundbreaking technology at your fingertips.
00:09:13.919 --> 00:09:17.519
Experience M-engineered precision while you twist around every turn.
00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:20.159
After all, electric doesn't have to be static.
00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:26.159
If you thought EVs couldn't live up to your expectations, then you've never experienced the ultimate electric driving machine.
00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:30.000
The 100% electric 2025 BMW I4.
00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:36.480
Welcome back.
00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:39.600
We are thrilled to have Chris Marsh Clark with us today.
00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:42.960
And we're gonna dive into a fun Broadway buzz lightning round.
00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:44.320
So this is how it works, Chris.
00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:47.919
We say something, you give us a response, first thing that comes to mind.
00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:51.440
Sometimes it's a you know multiple choice, other times it's just your thoughts, okay?
00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:52.159
Let's do it.
00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:52.639
All right.
00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:53.120
All right.
00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:55.120
What's the first Broadway show you ever saw?
00:09:55.360 --> 00:09:56.480
The Lion King.
00:09:57.200 --> 00:09:59.840
Playbill collection or Broadway merch?
00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:03.679
Oh, I've got both, but mainly uh playbill collection.
00:10:03.919 --> 00:10:06.799
Which Broadway song is your karaoke anthem?
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:11.440
Oh, what ooh, I'm just trying to think of something that actually comes to mind.
00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:17.279
Um Wow, I'm drawing a blank on any Broadway song that's not stars from Le Mizer Rob.
00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:20.639
So that's not the answer, but we're gonna go with Stars from Le Mizer Rob.
00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:23.120
Live Orchestra or recorded score?
00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:24.159
Live orchestra.
00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:27.360
Favorite Broadway soundtrack to listen to on repeat.
00:10:27.679 --> 00:10:28.639
American Idiot.
00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:32.000
Your most memorable stage mishap.
00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:47.919
Oh, um, I was doing a production of Oklahoma in uh SummerSock Theater in Virginia, and I I was uh I was Joe who buys curly saddle, and Mike, who bids on 8080's basket, wasn't on stage.
00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:53.039
So I just kind of became Mike, and it was hilarious to have everyone go, Hi Mike.
00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:54.000
That's Mike now.
00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:54.799
This is Mike.
00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:56.399
Well, good for you taking that over.
00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:59.679
Uh Broadway proper costume you'd love to keep as a souvenir.
00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:01.440
Um, my Neil Diamond shoes.
00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:03.759
Don't tell anybody, they're completely rhinestones.
00:11:04.159 --> 00:11:05.519
It's and that's not a question.
00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:07.919
It's love it.
00:11:08.159 --> 00:11:11.360
Stage door meet and greet or VIP after party.
00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:15.120
Am I considered the VIP in this moment, or do I meet somebody?
00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:17.360
Well, either or however you want to interpret it.
00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.879
Ooh, stagedoor meet and greet.
00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:23.679
If you could do a TikTok duet with any Broadway performer, who would it be?
00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:24.720
Jeremy Jordan.
00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:28.159
Okay, favorite moment in a beautiful noise.
00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:31.039
Um oh gosh.
00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:32.799
I'm gonna say two.
00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:34.960
One is personal, one is in the show.
00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:48.960
Uh the moment Solitary Man, um, which is the moment in our show where where Neil comes alive and and discovers that he loves he loves performing and is really good at it, and people respond to him.
00:11:49.200 --> 00:12:08.799
As Neil, that moment is very special because you start, it's just you and a guitar, and the audience is with you, and then all of a sudden the um the noise starts moving in a very Stephen Hoggett, who's our choreographer slash once the musical, as like the ensemble, it feels like you're doing beautiful artistic storytelling.
00:12:08.879 --> 00:12:12.960
And as Neil, you feel that energy coming back, and it's just a beautiful moment.
00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:26.799
And then as a person, it's singing Sweet Caroline at the end, and you see everyone rocking out, smiling, having a good time, and you see that what you just did is gonna give somebody a high for the next day, week, month, whatever it is.
00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:29.440
So you can see the impact there, and I love that moment.
00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:31.679
All right, Chris, thank you so much.
00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:33.279
How can people follow you?
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:36.480
I've got an Instagram, it's at Chris Clark55.
00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:42.240
I just want to confirm with you, yes, we do have a white caps game happening when you are here.
00:12:42.320 --> 00:12:44.960
I think there's actually two or three of them that are home games.
00:12:45.200 --> 00:12:46.320
So you'll get your hat.
00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.320
And I know you and I talked about this.
00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:52.960
I am an eater, I don't call myself a foodie, but you also are a pizza critic.
00:12:53.200 --> 00:12:55.759
So we gotta go eat some pizza here in West Michigan.
00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:57.279
I gotta take you to my favorite spots.
00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.399
Oh, I can't wait.
00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.120
Let's do it.
00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:02.720
All right, Chris Marsh, Clark, thank you so much for chatting with us today.
00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:03.440
Thank you.
00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:04.240
Thank you.
00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:13.360
Approximately 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson's disease, including Neil Diamond, who was diagnosed in January of 2018.
00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:22.559
The Broadway company of A Beautiful Noise has partnered with the Parkinson's Foundation and has raised$750,000 for the organization to date.
00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:34.879
Yeah, and in recognition of National Parkinson's Awareness Month this April, resources from the Parkinson's Foundation, Great Lakes chapter, and the West Michigan Parkinson's Association will be available in our lobby throughout the show's run.
00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:38.000
And Chaz Schayner will be one of the volunteers you'll see.
00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:39.279
Good morning, Jennifer.
00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:40.000
This is Chaz.
00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:40.960
Hi, Chaz.
00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:42.000
How are you?
00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:43.120
Pretty good.
00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:44.159
Good, thank you.
00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:45.200
I'm well and well.
00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:47.039
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.000
No problem.
00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:56.879
So, as I understand it, Chaz, you are one of the volunteers for the Parkinson's Foundation, the Great Lakes Chapter.
00:13:57.039 --> 00:14:00.480
And you've been living with Parkinsons for how long now?
00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:05.039
Well, on um Monday it'll be nine years officially diagnosed.
00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:05.679
Okay.
00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:06.960
And how are you doing?
00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:08.720
They say I'm doing great.
00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:14.159
So you you might, when you look at your own perspective, you might differ a little bit.
00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:20.000
But um, I guess I look at the whole thing, I'm you know, blessed to be doing fair pretty well.
00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:24.000
So Yeah, you're gonna be joining us um in the lobby.
00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:29.840
You'll be having some um information for people who may want to learn more.
00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:35.679
I I know that um you've do you've done quite a bit with the foundation, correct?
00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.320
Right.
00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:42.559
Important to get the word out there that for the most part you can live a pretty pretty worthwhile life.
00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:49.759
You know, we hear about Neil Diamond and what he's going through, and obviously you can relate on a personal level.
00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:55.440
Why is it important that many of us understand the world of Parkinson's?
00:14:55.759 --> 00:15:08.159
Well, I think it's scary, you know, it is debilitating, but there's so much more than what generally is, you know, the pre uh preconceived ideas that people have.
00:15:08.320 --> 00:15:11.600
You know, it's a little shake or tremor, stumbling, walking.
00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:13.919
It's affects the whole body.
00:15:14.080 --> 00:15:18.720
But yet it can be you can fight against it, you know, with exercise and good medical care.
00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.879
And a good attitude doesn't hurt either.
00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:21.360
Yeah.
00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:26.320
And also having the ability to have resources, especially here in West Michigan, right?
00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:36.240
We are definitely blessed with the amount of movement order to specialists and uh and uh the medical teams that we have here.
00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:41.360
Yeah, what are some of the programs that are available for people here in West Michigan?
00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:55.200
Well, there's several places that um one of the mainstays beginning is called Big and Loud or LSVT therapy, which you know it's an intro to making you maintain your voice level.
00:15:56.399 --> 00:15:57.600
You can lose your voice.
00:15:57.919 --> 00:16:08.639
Um, also exercise and movement because you've gotta uh Parkinson's makes you stiff and you've got to work on things like balance and flexibility and and uh overall movement.
00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:16.080
So you know that's the big and loud, but there's also um a lot of support groups, which is important.
00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:22.399
Um I belong to one called Team Spark, it's patient-led, which it's a great group to be a part of.
00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:28.240
They meet on the second Sunday of the month, except for May, because we don't mess with Mother's Day.
00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.919
So the support groups are good.
00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:45.279
The the hospitals or the doctors have meetings like you know, coming up on March 8th, Corwell's having I mean April 8th, Corwell's having a presentation about managing symptoms um at Calvin College.
00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:50.879
At uh YMCA, they have peddling for Parkinson's at the Mary Freebed YMCA.
00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:53.120
You know, again, exercise is such a key.
00:16:53.279 --> 00:17:07.680
And now the Grand Rapids Ballet, Attila does about seven or eight classes a week around here, you know, for ballet movement with Parkinson's, which it's not necessarily ballet, but it's ballet based.
00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:23.680
And uh even we're mostly seated, but it gets you moving, it gets you coordinated, and well, you know, it doesn't necessarily work for me, but but what beautiful options to have to move when you're dealing with what you're dealing with.
00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:31.359
So when people come out to the show, they'll be able to talk with you and maybe pick up some information to take home as well.
00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:35.599
We've got a great relationship with uh the Parkinson's Foundation.
00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:37.599
We're in the Great Lakes chapter.
00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:42.799
Uh they support us very, very much, and they support the doctors too.
00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:49.279
Well, thank you so much for the time that you're going to be giving us and the time you took with me today to just chat with us a little bit more.
00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:50.079
So thank you.
00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:51.039
No problem.
00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:52.000
All right.
00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:56.559
A beautiful noise arrives at DeVos Performance Hall Tuesday, April 1st through 6th.
00:17:56.640 --> 00:18:02.960
There are limited tickets and$30 rush tickets, but you have to arrive to the DeVos Performance Hall an hour before the show.
00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:06.880
And don't forget, 25-26 season subscriptions are still available.
00:18:07.119 --> 00:18:09.920
Visit Broadway Grandrapids.com for more information.
00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:20.480
We'd like to thank our show sponsors, AARP Michigan, Crow, Blacks Enterprises Inc., Sharp Cars, Trinity Health, and Warner, Norcross, and Judd.
00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:24.400
And our season sponsor Meyer and title sponsor Fit Third Bank.
00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:26.160
Thank you for joining us today.
00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:28.079
And we'll see you at the show.
00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:10.160
From the cast on stage and cruise behind the curtain, two community partners supporting efforts to bring professional Broadway performances to West Michigan.
00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:14.960
Plus, all things in between, this is BGR's Backstage Buzz.
00:00:17.519 --> 00:00:20.960
I am John for Pasqua, Marketing Director at Broadway Grand Rapids.
00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:24.320
And I'm Steve Stegetty, producer and BGR ambassador.
00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:31.600
It's the untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-busting, showstopping, award-winning American icon.
00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:41.759
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, a Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical, is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon.
00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:54.719
A Beautiful Noise is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir that tells the untold true story of how America's greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.
00:00:54.960 --> 00:01:06.879
Here with us today is Chris Marsh Clark, who is part of The Beautiful Noise, one of the soloists, and is the understudy for Neil, and who, by the way, performed during our season reveal last year.
00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:07.599
That's awesome.
00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:08.719
How are you doing today, Chris?
00:01:08.879 --> 00:01:09.920
Hi, I'm wonderful.
00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:10.560
Good morning.
00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:12.799
Thanks for joining us on the podcast today.
00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.959
Yeah, and uh, we're having some coffee with you.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:16.319
Where are you having coffee from?
00:01:16.480 --> 00:01:20.000
I'm having coffee just across the lake in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:22.159
Ah, all right, all right.
00:01:22.319 --> 00:01:25.200
So looking forward to having you back in GR.
00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:28.079
I know that you made a little pit stop for us last year.
00:01:28.239 --> 00:01:29.120
We had a great time.
00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:33.200
I got to meet you in person, which is always a joy to meet some of the cast.
00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:35.439
Tell us what you're looking forward to.
00:01:35.680 --> 00:01:40.239
Oh, well, I the first thing that comes to mind is the is honestly the Western Michigan White Caps.
00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:42.959
I do think there is maybe a game that we can go to.
00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:46.640
If not, I want to go get a hat because I love Minor League Baseball.
00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:55.200
But um, yeah, uh, I'm excited mainly to just go back to the theater that felt like the first that felt like the start of this tour for me.
00:01:55.280 --> 00:01:56.719
Uh can I tell a quick story?
00:01:57.040 --> 00:01:58.159
Absolutely, yeah.
00:01:58.480 --> 00:02:00.799
I I booked this job on a Friday night.
00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:03.680
In fact, it was February 9th.
00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:13.039
And then I find out that like I think it was the Wednesday that I was that we had closed on the deal that I decided that I was taking it.
00:02:13.199 --> 00:02:20.319
Um, I then got a call the next morning on that Thursday that was like, Can you fly to Grand Rapids on Monday and sing Sweet Caroline?
00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:21.840
And I was like, Okay.
00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:24.560
And then Friday I called our press rap.
00:02:25.039 --> 00:02:33.759
And then that Sunday before I flew on Monday, I went to the Broadhurst Theater where Beautiful Noise played on Broadway, went to the music supervisor's dressing room with the tour director.
00:02:33.919 --> 00:02:35.680
We sang Sweet Caroline twice.
00:02:35.840 --> 00:02:36.800
We talked about it.
00:02:36.960 --> 00:02:43.439
Monday morning, I got on a plane, I flew to Grand Rapids, and I was just praying I didn't forget the second verse.
00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:45.520
Well, I remember this story now.
00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:48.240
I remember this, and I mean you did phenomenal.
00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:50.560
It was like you were made for this part, you know.
00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:54.639
Um, and how long have you been now a part of this tour?
00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:58.800
I've now been on the tour over six months, almost six months exactly.
00:02:58.960 --> 00:03:02.240
We opened September 20th, so it's been just over six months.
00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:06.560
I want to take you back to childhood, if I may, or maybe adulthood, but where was that moment?
00:03:06.960 --> 00:03:14.800
Here's the easy question that moment when you were performing or about to perform, or a parent said, Hey, why don't you try this extracurricular activity?
00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:20.240
Where it clicked for you, where all of a sudden you said, Hey, musical theater or theater in general, that's what I want to do.
00:03:20.560 --> 00:03:21.759
I don't know when it clicked.
00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:23.280
I think it was just something I always did.
00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:28.400
My dad's mother was a uh professional pianist and she played on the on the QE2.
00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:32.560
And so she taught my brother and I music lessons growing up.
00:03:32.639 --> 00:03:35.199
I started taking guitar lessons in the first grade.
00:03:35.360 --> 00:03:40.960
Uh, that grandmother encouraged me to audition for uh community theater production of a Christmas Carol.
00:03:41.039 --> 00:03:44.000
It's the youngest person in in the cast when I was six.
00:03:44.240 --> 00:03:50.159
My mom will tell you a story about how I slowly gave all my lines away after being on great behavior.
00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:53.759
Slowly I didn't want to say my lines anymore, and I gave them all away.
00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:56.400
But it was, I think it's always been a part of me.
00:03:56.479 --> 00:04:00.159
I mean, I think I when I was four, I built a mic stand out of Legos.
00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:07.280
So I don't think there was ever really a like a time where it was that click moment that I know so many people have.
00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:18.319
But I don't remember what the moment was, but I do know that I think it was the end of my freshman year of high school was was when I thought, oh, I think I actually want to do that.
00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:19.759
Ah, okay, okay.
00:04:19.839 --> 00:04:24.879
Well, let me bring it current then to the actual show here where you are an understudy and you portray Mr.
00:04:24.959 --> 00:04:26.000
Neil Diamond here.
00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:31.519
Was there a particular song though, where you were up there on stage rocking it out where you said, Yeah, this is me.
00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:32.639
I've got this.
00:04:33.120 --> 00:04:35.439
Uh, Brother Love, the opening back too.
00:04:36.240 --> 00:04:37.120
That's the moment.
00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:41.839
And and I have really good reference for this because actually on Sunday I did both shows as Neil.
00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:47.040
So I I I I even remembered there was a quiet moment.
00:04:47.120 --> 00:05:02.240
I was just sitting on stage in between other characters' dialogue, and uh, I was kind of a of a memory of our uh Neil of our Neil Now character, and I just took a quick moment to go, me as Chris, oh, this is what I want to do.
00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:04.160
Like this is this is fun.
00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:05.680
This is what I like doing.
00:05:05.920 --> 00:05:09.360
So yeah, I have a little bit of of a reference for that.
00:05:09.600 --> 00:05:20.319
You know, when you played this part for the very first time, there's gotta be some sort of like, I've gotta nail this because it's not just a character, it is a person.
00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:27.040
So I would imagine, you know, like there is a different sense in portraying somebody that is still here with us.
00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:27.439
Right.
00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:29.680
And if I could jump in, he's got all that swagger.
00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:32.319
Like, how do you add all that in there while making that your own?
00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:40.399
There's there's a very real reference point for what it is, opposed to many characters like Dear Evan Hansen.
00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:45.279
If you're playing Evan Hansen, there is a lot of liberty of who that character might be.
00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:54.639
Um, Neil Diamond, for our Neil Diamond fans, is a very real person who sounded a very distinct way and moved very distinct way.
00:05:54.879 --> 00:06:01.680
So there is that that uh pressure or at least challenge to meet that expectation for sure.
00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:10.079
I I feel very lucky to have done um Johnny Cash and two productions of a Million Dollar Quartet, and I've done Jersey Boys twice.
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:15.439
So I've got a little bit of experience with portraying a person who is real.
00:06:15.839 --> 00:06:26.720
Um I always think it's about finding that middle ground between taking the research that you found and then finding where that intersects with who you are and who you are as an actor.
00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:38.240
And when you find that middle ground is when it reads not, in my opinion, as an uh impression, but as kind of like the spirit of the essence of Neil Diamond.
00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:39.360
That is very cool.
00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:41.040
So I have okay, a big important question.
00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:46.000
And maybe this has happened, but let's say you get done with a show and you walk backstage and the man himself is there.
00:06:46.160 --> 00:06:50.720
What is the first thing you'd want to ask him about your performance or portrayal?
00:06:51.040 --> 00:06:52.240
Did he just see me do it?
00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:53.199
He just saw you do it.
00:06:54.399 --> 00:06:56.480
In the story, in the scenario, yes.
00:06:56.720 --> 00:06:57.519
Oh my gosh.
00:06:57.680 --> 00:06:59.199
I don't know what I would say.
00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:01.360
I think I just go, was that it?
00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:03.279
Did I nail it?
00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:05.040
I mean, that's a potential, right?
00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:06.319
That could happen one day.
00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:07.040
It could.
00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:11.439
I mean, the closest thing I've got, I was in my um in my noise track.
00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:14.319
Um, our ensemble is called The Beautiful Noise.
00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:22.959
Um, I was in the noise, and I look in the wing and curtain call, and I see Katie Diamond, his wife, with Neil on FaceTime.
00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:23.759
Oh, yeah.
00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:37.920
And so it was just like we knew that that that Neil was gonna be on FaceTime with us in our curtain call, but it was just a moment where you look in the wings and you see Neil Diamond himself look like his face on the phone.
00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.680
I was like, that's cool.
00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:42.639
Um so that's special.
00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:46.319
And um yeah, it's I I have I have no idea.
00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:49.040
I think I'd be I would have no, I was just like, is that it?
00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:57.120
Because I I think go go going back to the question you asked a moment ago, is like uh we had an almost sold-out house on that Sunday matinee.
00:07:57.279 --> 00:08:02.639
I was just on and I like did clock in for a moment and bows and think, wow, I just performed beautiful.
00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:07.759
I I just I was just Neil Diamond for 2000 Neil Diamond fans, and I think they bought it.
00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:08.720
Uh-huh, right?
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:12.639
Well, I'm I'm a huge fan, so I feel like I'm jumping in here, but I I even have another one for you.
00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:17.040
So was there ever a time after being at many concerts before and just seeing how he works that crowd?
00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:20.240
Was there ever an emotional reaction or anything you saw down in there?
00:08:20.399 --> 00:08:23.199
I mean, some of the crowds I've seen, they go nuts, right?
00:08:23.360 --> 00:08:25.759
For some of these songs and when he lights into them.
00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:29.120
Do you ever remember reaction or looking out there and saying, I've got this audience?
00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:30.720
They are totally on board with this.
00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:33.120
Yeah, it was my first time going on.
00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:39.120
Uh, I was, you know, in my head and I was like, I is it going well?
00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:41.600
And I I didn't honestly think it was going well.
00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:42.799
It was going fine.
00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:51.279
I just had high expectations that I was singing Sweet Caroline at the end of Act One, and I saw a woman in like the fourth row just rocking out and swaying side to side.
00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:52.720
And I was like, okay, no, I've got him.
00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:54.799
Well, hey, Chris, are you gonna stick around?
00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:56.000
We're gonna play a game.
00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:57.679
So I promise you it'll be fun.
00:08:57.840 --> 00:08:59.279
Can you hang out with us for a little bit longer?
00:08:59.679 --> 00:09:00.399
Hang out for a game.
00:09:00.559 --> 00:09:04.720
All right, we'll be back to chat more with Chris after a word from our sponsor, Sharp Cars.
00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:09.039
Never settle unless it's into the electrifying BMW I4.
00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:13.759
Blend the lines of cutting-edge and classic with groundbreaking technology at your fingertips.
00:09:13.919 --> 00:09:17.519
Experience M-engineered precision while you twist around every turn.
00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:20.159
After all, electric doesn't have to be static.
00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:26.159
If you thought EVs couldn't live up to your expectations, then you've never experienced the ultimate electric driving machine.
00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:30.000
The 100% electric 2025 BMW I4.
00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:36.480
Welcome back.
00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:39.600
We are thrilled to have Chris Marsh Clark with us today.
00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:42.960
And we're gonna dive into a fun Broadway buzz lightning round.
00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:44.320
So this is how it works, Chris.
00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:47.919
We say something, you give us a response, first thing that comes to mind.
00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:51.440
Sometimes it's a you know multiple choice, other times it's just your thoughts, okay?
00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:52.159
Let's do it.
00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:52.639
All right.
00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:53.120
All right.
00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:55.120
What's the first Broadway show you ever saw?
00:09:55.360 --> 00:09:56.480
The Lion King.
00:09:57.200 --> 00:09:59.840
Playbill collection or Broadway merch?
00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:03.679
Oh, I've got both, but mainly uh playbill collection.
00:10:03.919 --> 00:10:06.799
Which Broadway song is your karaoke anthem?
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:11.440
Oh, what ooh, I'm just trying to think of something that actually comes to mind.
00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:17.279
Um Wow, I'm drawing a blank on any Broadway song that's not stars from Le Mizer Rob.
00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:20.639
So that's not the answer, but we're gonna go with Stars from Le Mizer Rob.
00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:23.120
Live Orchestra or recorded score?
00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:24.159
Live orchestra.
00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:27.360
Favorite Broadway soundtrack to listen to on repeat.
00:10:27.679 --> 00:10:28.639
American Idiot.
00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:32.000
Your most memorable stage mishap.
00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:47.919
Oh, um, I was doing a production of Oklahoma in uh SummerSock Theater in Virginia, and I I was uh I was Joe who buys curly saddle, and Mike, who bids on 8080's basket, wasn't on stage.
00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:53.039
So I just kind of became Mike, and it was hilarious to have everyone go, Hi Mike.
00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:54.000
That's Mike now.
00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:54.799
This is Mike.
00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:56.399
Well, good for you taking that over.
00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:59.679
Uh Broadway proper costume you'd love to keep as a souvenir.
00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:01.440
Um, my Neil Diamond shoes.
00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:03.759
Don't tell anybody, they're completely rhinestones.
00:11:04.159 --> 00:11:05.519
It's and that's not a question.
00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:07.919
It's love it.
00:11:08.159 --> 00:11:11.360
Stage door meet and greet or VIP after party.
00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:15.120
Am I considered the VIP in this moment, or do I meet somebody?
00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:17.360
Well, either or however you want to interpret it.
00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:18.879
Ooh, stagedoor meet and greet.
00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:23.679
If you could do a TikTok duet with any Broadway performer, who would it be?
00:11:23.919 --> 00:11:24.720
Jeremy Jordan.
00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:28.159
Okay, favorite moment in a beautiful noise.
00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:31.039
Um oh gosh.
00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:32.799
I'm gonna say two.
00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:34.960
One is personal, one is in the show.
00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:48.960
Uh the moment Solitary Man, um, which is the moment in our show where where Neil comes alive and and discovers that he loves he loves performing and is really good at it, and people respond to him.
00:11:49.200 --> 00:12:08.799
As Neil, that moment is very special because you start, it's just you and a guitar, and the audience is with you, and then all of a sudden the um the noise starts moving in a very Stephen Hoggett, who's our choreographer slash once the musical, as like the ensemble, it feels like you're doing beautiful artistic storytelling.
00:12:08.879 --> 00:12:12.960
And as Neil, you feel that energy coming back, and it's just a beautiful moment.
00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:26.799
And then as a person, it's singing Sweet Caroline at the end, and you see everyone rocking out, smiling, having a good time, and you see that what you just did is gonna give somebody a high for the next day, week, month, whatever it is.
00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:29.440
So you can see the impact there, and I love that moment.
00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:31.679
All right, Chris, thank you so much.
00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:33.279
How can people follow you?
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:36.480
I've got an Instagram, it's at Chris Clark55.
00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:42.240
I just want to confirm with you, yes, we do have a white caps game happening when you are here.
00:12:42.320 --> 00:12:44.960
I think there's actually two or three of them that are home games.
00:12:45.200 --> 00:12:46.320
So you'll get your hat.
00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.320
And I know you and I talked about this.
00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:52.960
I am an eater, I don't call myself a foodie, but you also are a pizza critic.
00:12:53.200 --> 00:12:55.759
So we gotta go eat some pizza here in West Michigan.
00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:57.279
I gotta take you to my favorite spots.
00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.399
Oh, I can't wait.
00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.120
Let's do it.
00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:02.720
All right, Chris Marsh, Clark, thank you so much for chatting with us today.
00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:03.440
Thank you.
00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:04.240
Thank you.
00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:13.360
Approximately 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson's disease, including Neil Diamond, who was diagnosed in January of 2018.
00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:22.559
The Broadway company of A Beautiful Noise has partnered with the Parkinson's Foundation and has raised$750,000 for the organization to date.
00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:34.879
Yeah, and in recognition of National Parkinson's Awareness Month this April, resources from the Parkinson's Foundation, Great Lakes chapter, and the West Michigan Parkinson's Association will be available in our lobby throughout the show's run.
00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:38.000
And Chaz Schayner will be one of the volunteers you'll see.
00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:39.279
Good morning, Jennifer.
00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:40.000
This is Chaz.
00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:40.960
Hi, Chaz.
00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:42.000
How are you?
00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:43.120
Pretty good.
00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:44.159
Good, thank you.
00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:45.200
I'm well and well.
00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:47.039
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.000
No problem.
00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:56.879
So, as I understand it, Chaz, you are one of the volunteers for the Parkinson's Foundation, the Great Lakes Chapter.
00:13:57.039 --> 00:14:00.480
And you've been living with Parkinsons for how long now?
00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:05.039
Well, on um Monday it'll be nine years officially diagnosed.
00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:05.679
Okay.
00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:06.960
And how are you doing?
00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:08.720
They say I'm doing great.
00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:14.159
So you you might, when you look at your own perspective, you might differ a little bit.
00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:20.000
But um, I guess I look at the whole thing, I'm you know, blessed to be doing fair pretty well.
00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:24.000
So Yeah, you're gonna be joining us um in the lobby.
00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:29.840
You'll be having some um information for people who may want to learn more.
00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:35.679
I I know that um you've do you've done quite a bit with the foundation, correct?
00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.320
Right.
00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:42.559
Important to get the word out there that for the most part you can live a pretty pretty worthwhile life.
00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:49.759
You know, we hear about Neil Diamond and what he's going through, and obviously you can relate on a personal level.
00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:55.440
Why is it important that many of us understand the world of Parkinson's?
00:14:55.759 --> 00:15:08.159
Well, I think it's scary, you know, it is debilitating, but there's so much more than what generally is, you know, the pre uh preconceived ideas that people have.
00:15:08.320 --> 00:15:11.600
You know, it's a little shake or tremor, stumbling, walking.
00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:13.919
It's affects the whole body.
00:15:14.080 --> 00:15:18.720
But yet it can be you can fight against it, you know, with exercise and good medical care.
00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.879
And a good attitude doesn't hurt either.
00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:21.360
Yeah.
00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:26.320
And also having the ability to have resources, especially here in West Michigan, right?
00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:36.240
We are definitely blessed with the amount of movement order to specialists and uh and uh the medical teams that we have here.
00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:41.360
Yeah, what are some of the programs that are available for people here in West Michigan?
00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:55.200
Well, there's several places that um one of the mainstays beginning is called Big and Loud or LSVT therapy, which you know it's an intro to making you maintain your voice level.
00:15:56.399 --> 00:15:57.600
You can lose your voice.
00:15:57.919 --> 00:16:08.639
Um, also exercise and movement because you've gotta uh Parkinson's makes you stiff and you've got to work on things like balance and flexibility and and uh overall movement.
00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:16.080
So you know that's the big and loud, but there's also um a lot of support groups, which is important.
00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:22.399
Um I belong to one called Team Spark, it's patient-led, which it's a great group to be a part of.
00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:28.240
They meet on the second Sunday of the month, except for May, because we don't mess with Mother's Day.
00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.919
So the support groups are good.
00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:45.279
The the hospitals or the doctors have meetings like you know, coming up on March 8th, Corwell's having I mean April 8th, Corwell's having a presentation about managing symptoms um at Calvin College.
00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:50.879
At uh YMCA, they have peddling for Parkinson's at the Mary Freebed YMCA.
00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:53.120
You know, again, exercise is such a key.
00:16:53.279 --> 00:17:07.680
And now the Grand Rapids Ballet, Attila does about seven or eight classes a week around here, you know, for ballet movement with Parkinson's, which it's not necessarily ballet, but it's ballet based.
00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:23.680
And uh even we're mostly seated, but it gets you moving, it gets you coordinated, and well, you know, it doesn't necessarily work for me, but but what beautiful options to have to move when you're dealing with what you're dealing with.
00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:31.359
So when people come out to the show, they'll be able to talk with you and maybe pick up some information to take home as well.
00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:35.599
We've got a great relationship with uh the Parkinson's Foundation.
00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:37.599
We're in the Great Lakes chapter.
00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:42.799
Uh they support us very, very much, and they support the doctors too.
00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:49.279
Well, thank you so much for the time that you're going to be giving us and the time you took with me today to just chat with us a little bit more.
00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:50.079
So thank you.
00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:51.039
No problem.
00:17:51.359 --> 00:17:52.000
All right.
00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:56.559
A beautiful noise arrives at DeVos Performance Hall Tuesday, April 1st through 6th.
00:17:56.640 --> 00:18:02.960
There are limited tickets and$30 rush tickets, but you have to arrive to the DeVos Performance Hall an hour before the show.
00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:06.880
And don't forget, 25-26 season subscriptions are still available.
00:18:07.119 --> 00:18:09.920
Visit Broadway Grandrapids.com for more information.
00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:20.480
We'd like to thank our show sponsors, AARP Michigan, Crow, Blacks Enterprises Inc., Sharp Cars, Trinity Health, and Warner, Norcross, and Judd.
00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:24.400
And our season sponsor Meyer and title sponsor Fit Third Bank.
00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:26.160
Thank you for joining us today.
00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:28.079
And we'll see you at the show.
