=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 5, Issue 14 - November 30, 1993 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES INTRO BY TAKE VOS - Take Vos D.G.I.F. 5.4 - GREASE IS THE WORD - Michael Falkner THE GREASE SPRING BREAK GETAWAY - Jennifer Mussi OUT OF THE BLUE - Jim Cook GREASE: AN ALBUM REVIEW - Take Vos BtL POLL: THE FANS' VIEWS - Michael Falkner THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE - Chris Foote DEBWATCH CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Ann Gibson, Gibson Management Inc. (GMI), the Atlantic Recording Corporation, or any organizations to which members belong or represent. Opinions expressed in Between the Lines are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire forum. All lyrics by Debbie Gibson are copyrighted by Deborah Ann's Music, ASCAP or Possibilities Publishing, Inc./ EMI April Music, Inc., ASCAP. Between the Lines operates on a non-profit basis. Distribution is permissible only under the condition that no part of it will be used for profit. "Between the Lines" and "BtL" are trademarks of Between the Lines. Copyright 1993, Between the Lines. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- Information regarding submissions via e-mail, the supplemental "bouncing" mailing list, using Telnet to talk to other BtL members in real time, and obtaining GIFs and BtL back issues via anonymous FTP will now be sent to members upon joining the BtL mailing list. You may request this information from any of the BtL moderators listed below. Complete information will be included in the administrative notes twice a year. To submit articles by postal mail, please proofread and send them to the postal address listed below. Submissions should be typed or written legibly. To submit articles by FAX, please call (604) 322-5936. We reserve the right to edit, defer, or reject submissions without notice. Submissions become the property of BtL. BETWEEN THE LINES c/o Felix Ng 2137 Qualicum Drive Vancouver, B.C. V5P 2M3 CANADA For those of you who do not have access to electronic mail, you may subscribe via postal mail. Issues are printed with a bubblejet printer which allows six pages of text to be printed on both sides of one sheet of paper. Back issues are also available on one MS-DOS 3.5" or 5.25" high density disk (please specify disk format when ordering). Prices are at cost and are subject to change: Canada $3.25 Cdn. for 5 issues / $2.75 Cdn. for back issues on disk United States $3.25 U.S. for 5 issues / $2.75 U.S. for back issues on disk International 3 IRCs for 2 issues / 7 IRCs for back issues on disk Please make a cheque or money order payable to Felix Ng and mail it to the postal address mentioned above. We are not responsible for cash lost or stolen in the mail. Issues are always mailed via first class. -= BtL moderators =- Myra Wong : mkwong@scf.nmsu.edu mkwong@ucsd.bitnet Felix Ng : fng@acca.nmsu.edu 1:153/915 on Fidonet =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY TAKE VOS =- Take Vos - Amsterdam, The Netherlands (takev@htsa.aha.nl) October 19, 1993 Hello, my name is Take Vos, I'm 19 years old and a student in computer science at the Algemene Hoge School Amsterdam, HTS Amsterdam. For those who don't know where The Netherlands are in the world, here are the directions: on the left top of Europa, it is between Great Britain and Germany. I didn't become a fan of Deborah Gibson like most fans in 1987. It was somewhere in 1988, I heard a slow song on the television. I liked it and I looked at the video clip. I couldn't believe it; it was this young girl (only 3.5 years older than me) in a white dress, with a sad look on her face, walking down the pier (she looked so sweet). I was too late to see the title of the song. But the next day it was on the radio, I went that day to the public library and I got the LP _Out Of The Blue_. I liked it so much that I bought the LP _Out Of The Blue_ and the 12" "Foolish Beat" the next week. I became a fan ever since. A short time ago I had the pleasure of meeting her at the backstage door of the Dominion Theater after the Grease show in London. My friend and I planned the trip to London three months in advance and spent a small fortune on it. (It isn't easy to get from Mainland Europa to England.) We went to the show (and I loved it) and afterwards, I suggested we could go to the back entrance of the building and wait for her. There were a lot of people at the stage door and believe it or not, there were at least 15 people waiting to get a glimpse of Deborah, and a lot of parents. Some of them where even from different countries in Europe, just like me. At about 11:00 P.M., one hour after the show ended, Deborah came out the door. And she took time for every one, I thanked her for her music and she signed my _Body Mind Soul_ CD. I asked her bodyguard to take a picture of me and her. The picture is really great, she looks just like a normal girl. She has dark blond hair and she is wearing a metallic green jacket and a necklace with different colored stones (or plastic), in this picture. I won't forget this day for the rest of my life. And if she is reading this BtL, here is my thank you: Thank you Deborah, and keep doing what you do! "There is a world of endless resources. There is a mind full of outrageous dreams. There is a place where the two meet. Anything is possible..." I would like it if you'll write to me. Yours, Take Vos. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= D.G.I.F. 5.4 - GREASE IS THE WORD =- Michael Falkner - Eau Claire, Wisconsin (FALKNEMJ@CNSVAX.UWEC.EDU) November 20, 1993 After several weeks of waiting, D.G.I.F. 5.4 came around Halloween this year. It was chocked full of Grease pictures of all kinds, and some quite interesting tidbits. Front _Cute_ picture! Deb, in a little straw hat with a bow, and a smile. Cover Awwwwwwwwwwwww... Page 2 Our letter from Sandra Dee. She basically crams the last three months into one page - she's so busy. She is one happy camper with this show, while she demos songs with the 12-track she got when she was 14. She'd like to record the next album over there, but word is she will release it once she returns to the U.S. in 1994. She's working on the music for an animated screenplay, and relates a story about a 9-year-old fan who has all four albums, making Deb feel old. Page 3 Deb, smile beaming, stands over a chair. Somehow, the tank top she wears along with the blue jeans kind of combines the sexier looks of _Body Mind Soul_ with the down-to-earth stuff that she has done before. Pages Two pages of excerpts of Grease reviews from all over the place. If 4-5 you've been reading BtL the last five months, you've heard all this. Pages Two pages of behind the scenes shots, some from opening night. 6-7 Little Diana also makes a couple appearances. Other cast members are shown posing with Deborah. Interesting; we seem to get the whole variety of looks from Deb on one page, from the opening dress to the cheerleader to the siren. And of course, Deb and Craig hang out at a burger palace after the show. Pages Questions and Answers, with some real interesting questions! One 8, 9 question attacked head on the subject of bootlegs versus the fact and 12 that Deborah hasn't had many concerts off of the coasts. Deborah, in as polite a way as possible, stated she didn't really care for bootlegs since they seem to take away from the live experience, that which you cannot capture on any tape. BtL moderator Myra Wong gets two questions answered, both regarding the Grease soundtrack. No plans to release the soundtrack in the U.S. as more than an import or a bonus to the 50's gift basket being offered. One question addresses a comparison and contrast between Eponine of Les Miz and Sandra Dee. Deb jokes she's glad to be alive at the end of the show. Pages Centerfold shot. Taken from the waist up, it's Deb in the same shirt 10-11 she was wearing on the 5.3 cover, with blue jeans and a rather serious look. Page 13 You have to see this!! Richard Jay Alexander, the man who aided Deborah to gain the part of Eponine in Les Miserables, gives a "How I Met Debbie"-type of article. Basically, he beams over her, thrilled to death at her energy and drive, and still charmed by that personality, and their mutual love for shopping! He relates a story about Deborah at a New Year's Eve 1991 party -- a 50's theme party Deborah hosted -- where Richard basically surmised Deborah would have to be in Grease someday. As he, and we, all know now, the rest is history. A shot of Alexander and Deb as Eponine is included. A note: Ths article was written in response to an article in D.G.I.F. 5.3 by BtL member Tammie Ekkelboom. Pages Two more behind the scenes pages, including brief looks at the 14-15 friendships Deborah has gained, but Shane, if you get any closer to her, forget Craig, Kevin Wright might want to have a few words with you... Page 16 Pen Pals Galore! Page 17 On the Road promoting Grease with the BBC. Deb's first time in a helicopter shows no fear. And Craig is seen singing while Deb prompts the crowd to sing along. Page 18 A split shot of Deborah in and out of character, quite reminiscent of Deb's childhood theatre shots in her 1989 biography. There's also a final chance to get your 1993 calendars, as well as letting you know who all brought you this issue of D.G.I.F. Page 19 Forms and Administrivia Back Deb is just _so happy_ to be doing what she's doing, and it shows! Cover Arms outstretched on a staircase, Deborah beams as she thinks about all the experiences she has had and all the friends she has gained. All in all, a good issue. Black and white, of course, but still good. Reasonably current, too. The next issue, due for the holiday season, should include a 1994 calendar offer. Speaking of offers, a 50's gift basket is being offered including a poodle- skirted teddy bear, candy, and a postcard showing Deb as Sandy. At $39.95, that seems a bit steep, though the first 500 orders do receive a copy of the Grease soundtrack. With what we have been hearing about an album released after she returns to the U.S., the next couple of D.G.I.F. issues should be interesting. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= THE GREASE SPRING BREAK GETAWAY =- Jennifer Mussi - Woodside, New York November 20, 1993 When I first heard Deborah Gibson would be starring as "Sandy" in "Grease Is The Word" at the Dominion Theatre in London, I knew every fan would like to see this performance. With each passing day, my hopes of seeing Grease were dashed as I had not been able to make travel plans. Whenever one of my friends seemed to have plans in the works, my schedule would always conflict with the travel dates. So much must come into consideration when planning a trip like weather seasons, school and hectic work schedules. Fortunately, a package fell into place, which brought each of these factors together. I'm pleased to invite you all to take a trip with me to London for Spring Break '94!!! THE GREASE SPRING BREAK GETAWAY London - 6 Days / 5 Nights From New York City: $620* From Los Angeles: $769* Depart: Saturday, March 12, 1994 Return: Friday, March 18, 1994 Total package includes: - Round trip airfare from New York or Los Angeles on British Airways - Round trip transfers to and from airport and hotel - 6 Nights at the Great Western Royal Hotel, London (or similar) - Free continental breakfast each day - Half day London sightseeing tour - One admission ticket to "Grease Is The Word" - Round trip transfers to and from the hotel and theatre - All air and hotel taxes included * Based on group of 35. Prices based on double occupancy (single supplement add $95). A deposit of $200 by 12/10/93 per person will reserve your space. Please note, U.S. passports are required for Great Britain. Airfare to and from New York or Los Angeles can be arranged. For further information, please call or write: WHEATLEY TRAVEL 188-13 Union Tumpike Fresh Meadows, NY 11366 (718) 454-9276 Attention: Marsha or Louiso Disclaimer: Wheatley Travel is not affiliated with Deborah Gibson, Gibson Management Incorporated (GMI), or the production company of Grease at the Dominion Theatre, London, England. The tour titled, The Grease Getaway, is not affiliated with D.G.I.F. or any other publication by/for/about Debbie Gibson. [Editor's Note: BtL is not affiliated with Wheatley Travel.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= OUT OF THE BLUE =- Jim Cook - Little Rock, Arkansas (LRFREDERICK@ualr.edu) October 20, 1993 This article serves two purposes. One is to tell everyone about a meeting between two new friends, and the other is to thank Deborah Gibson for making it possible. A few weeks ago I was playing on my favorite MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) (Rivers Of Mud - cie-2.uoregon.edu 9000) I had been on for a little while and a friend of mine on there introduced me to a player named Diva. I didn't think much about meeting her until later. Well I played for awhile and I checked to see who was on the MUD right then, and to my surprise someone had logged on as Debbie Gibson! I figured it was just someone playing a joke but I sent a message to her and found out that it was Diva! We started talking and I found out that she was a member of BtL! We have talked a _lot_ since then and have become very good friends. We gave each other our real names and promised to exchange letters and pictures. I found out she lives in Texas (I live in Arkansas) and I plan to visit her early next year. It's amazing to think about the bond that music can make. I have met so many good people due to Deb's music and now I have met a wonderful lady because of Deborah Ann Gibson's music. Thank you Deb! I owe you a debt I probably will never be able to repay and to Marcie S. I love you! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= GREASE: AN ALBUM REVIEW =- Take Vos - Amsterdam, The Netherlands (takev@htsa.aha.nl) October 20, 1993 On October 4, 1993 was the release day of the CD _Grease, The Original London Cast Recording_ EPIC 474632-2. That day I bought the album and listened to it three times and I still have the CD in my player. Well here is the description of the entire album. First, the book has 27 pages in it. The front of the book is pink, fading from dark to light pink from top to bottom. In the foreground is the Grease logo and on the top the text: The Original London Cast Recording. The disc itself is also pink. The inside of the booklet contains all the lyrics and the following pictures: Page 2: Deborah and Craig. He is wearing a white T-shirt and a black leather jacket. She is wearing a completely black outfit. She has blond curly hair and heavy make-up. Her left leg is in his right hand, and her right arm is around his neck. I don't really like this picture, probably because of her hair style and make-up. Page 5: Left top - Danny (Craig). Right bottom - Sandy (Deborah). She is wearing a black and white dress and holding it up. She is smiling. I like this picture. Page 7: Right bottom - the Pink Ladies and Sandy. Sandy is wearing the same outfit as the photo on page 5. Page 8: Left bottom - the T. Birds. Page 11: Right top - Kenickie. Page 12: Right middle - Johnny Casino. Page 14: Left bottom - Teen Angel. Page 17: Right middle - Sandy, wearing a yellow sweater. Her left hand is on her breast. She looks very pretty in this picture. Page 18: Left bottom - Danny. Page 20: Top middle - Rizzo. Page 24: The T. Birds and Sandy. I like this picture better than the picture on page 2. Page 27: Rydell High, Class of '93. Page 28: On the back of the book is a very small version of the picture on page 27. Now the software. For those who have seen the London production, every song is on the disc. 1) Radio Waxx Jingle (0.22) The track starts with a search on a transitor radio. Then the jingle (still on the transitor radio) kicks in. 2) Vince Fontaine (0.24) Vince Fontaine, the DJ, makes a introduction. It is like you hear him through that transitor radio but after 17 seconds it's like digital audio. (The technicians did that perfectly, by the way. This trick is used in the musical a few times too.) 3) Sandy (Opening) (1.31) This is a duet (Danny and Sandy) version of track 20. It is slower and shorter. This is a beautiful song. And Deborah sings better than ever before. 4) Grease (2.25) The full company sings the whole song. This is much better than the original song (this is the only song I can remember in full, from the original musical), and it's more upbeat. 5) Summer Nights (3.29) This is a duet between Sandy and Danny and the girls and guys. You've probably seen the movie musical and if you were lucky you have seen the London production. 6) Those Magic Changes (2.36) Doody has a guitar with him and the guys asked him to play a song. He is striking cords and saying their letters: CCC-CCC / AAA-A minor / FFF-FFF / GGG-G seven. It gets better and better and then the song starts. It is a slow song about hearing a song on the radio for the first time and thinking "I've heard this song before." (I very much like this song.) 7) Freddy My Love (1.40) See/hear original musical. 8) Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee (1.27) See/hear original musical. 9) Greased Lightnin' (4.11) This song sung by Kenickie and the T. Birds is about a particular car. It's really great, it is longer than the original song. 10) Rydell Fight Song (0.57) This is the kind of song you hear from the cheerleaders. Even the band sounds like a high school band. 11) Mooning (2.17) It's about this guy that is mooning a lot. Now he says that he is doing it for a girl in his school. It's a kind of a emotional song with a lot of humor in it. 12) We Go Together (3.56) See/hear original musical. 13) Radio Waxx Jingle (0.09) This is the jingle for the second act (on a transitor radio). 14) Vince Fontaine (0.25) This is the introduction to the second act (not on a transistor radio). 15) Shakin' At The High School Hop (1.43) This is the first song that is played at prom night. The whole cast is singing this, while a part of it is a duet between the girls and the guys. Fast and upbeat; I like this one too. 16) It's Raining On Prom Night (2.18) This is one you never heard before. In the London musical, Sandy couldn't go to her high school prom. This is a duet between Donna and Sandy. Donna sings the first part of the song by herself at the high school prom. Sandy than dubs over it at home; it is a kind of a technical duet, but it is very beautiful. 17) Born To Hand Jive (3.05) This one is sung by Johnny Casino for the dance contest at the prom. Very upbeat. 18) Hopelessly Devoted To You (2.54) Sandy is singing supreme; probably the best song on the disc sung by Deborah. But I find it much too short (just like all the songs on the disc). 19) Beauty School Dropout (3.43) See/hear the original musical. 20) Sandy (2.20) Sung entirely by Danny. This is longer but faster then track 3. 21) Rock 'N' Roll Party Queen (2.11) A nice song, sung by Roger and Doody. They are singing while this is playing on the radio in the garage. The girls are dancing to it. 22) There Are Worse Things I Could Do (2.11) Rizzo sings this song very strong. (Yes, she could be a star.) 23) Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) (1.44) Sung by Sandy. 24) You're The One That I Want (3.01) I don't know what happened here but on the CD single, this song is much better. 25) Final (Medley) (4.35) a) We Go Together b) Greased Lightnin' c) Summer Nights d) Rydell Fight Song e) Born To Hand Jive f) We Go Together The band does their thing here (very good). Overall: I love the CD, and Deborah Gibson sings very, very good. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= BtL POLL: THE FANS' VIEWS =- Michael Falkner - Eau Claire, Wisconsin (FALKNEMJ@CNSVAX.UWEC.EDU) November 28, 1993 Some interesting responses to last month's poll, so let's get right to it! The theme of last month's poll was "Deborah's abilities -- as far as her career goes." I asked the readers if they thought Deborah was good at: GOOD NOT SO GOOD 1> Writing songs alone 16 0 Marshall Weeks summed up this verdict quite well and simply when he said that, "Deborah is at her best being a 'one-woman' show." 2> Writing songs with the aid of collaborators 8 7 This is probably one of the stickiest points of contention that a lot of fans talk about when they address the problems that Deborah might be having. Those who said it was good pointed to songs like "Without You." Those who disagreed pointed to "Reverse Psychology" and a lot of the Rhythm Syndicate collaborations on _Body Mind Soul_. A real toss-up here. 3> Writing songs you can relate to 16 0 Another clean sweep of the respondents, in a category that Deborah has stated strongly since the start of her career. Andrew Shurak made the following general comments on the first three questions: "With respect to songwriting, I'd say when she writes from the heart the results are magic, but her collaborations on her last album were not impressive. As for being able to relate to her music, I'd say here it's more of a question whether she can relate to it, and if she does then it will all follow from there." 4> Dancing 11 5 Although this is not her strong point, many see one of Deborah's strengths in that she can move to the music she makes. Some of the dissenters pointed to constructive criticisms, much like Levien de Braal's comments: "She knows how to move around on stage, and how to dance when it is well choreographed. But to me, real dancing comes in more than that. Somehow she doesn't know how to 'freak out' with her feet." Take that as you will... 5> Choreography 6 8 Buddy Casimano, are you listening?? I think they're trying to tell you something too. Although much of this goes hand-in-hand with the above question on her dancing ability, maybe a lot of people feel that she just isn't going in the direction that the energetic Gibson _could_ take. 6> Keeping up with her age 11 5 ...as opposed to anybody else trying to do the same. Many of those who found the images of _Anything Is Possible_ and _Body Mind Soul_ to be a natural progression toward a more mature Deborah would agree she has done well in this, but some see some problems with how she keeps up, like Jeff Liew: "Deb usually looks great, but once in a while, she looks so tired and way beyond her age...I guess she must really work hard." 7> Acting in theatre 12 2 This result shows why a lot of Deb fans are not as upset at the prospects of her knocking them out over in England in Grease as they could be. If this is an indication as to the completeness of the entertainer Deborah could become, many see only a promising future ahead. 8> Acting on television or in the movies 8 5 "Street Justice" bashers aren't going to like this result, but I must say I agree with it. I think that "Backbeat" was not that bad, for a supporting part for Deborah and for a first effort. I enjoyed that she was at least able to use her experiences as a singer to work well with a part designed for her, and that isn't as easy as it looks. 9> Keeping up with the companies [GMI/D.G.I.F./Possibilities Publishing/etc.] that help her run her career 4 10 Perhaps the biggest gripe with Gibson right now is with her management, as far as many hard-core fans go. Andrew Shurak might have said it best: "Here I have to rely on what I've read in BtL, but the commentary has been extensive and widespread. Debbie seems to try hard to stay in touch but her fan club and associates appear to treat her fans with a mixture of ignorance and contempt. Which is too bad, since Debbie has appeared to be a sincere person to those who she's met in person." So, I guess if that is the case, if I could give any additional feedback, is to get Deborah's own feelings on the fans consistent with how the management is acting toward them. One or the other has to make a major adjustment in attitude before that can happen, though. 10> Caring for her fans 13 2 11> Showing her feelings toward her fans 13 2 I think the only disagreements here were, like the last question, those who feel that, because her management fails to realize the fans' deep respect and love for Deborah, they treat the fans poorly, and it rubs off on Deborah herself. 12> Responding to the criticisms levied at her by the industry and people in it 8 8 Jeff Liew, referring to the post-AIP bashing of the music industry: "I admire Deb's integrity and courage, but it works against her by 'biting the hand that feeds her' and hurts her career." Marshall Weeks disagrees, and also offers some advice to Deborah: "Deb listens and hears criticisms well. The responses she makes are different. Deborah needs to have the mentality to prove the critics wrong. Deb ought to apply constructive criticism to her performing activities." And, I also asked some "Debhead classics." A> If you could go back to 1986 and be at the start of Deborah's career all over again, what, if anything, would you do differently? Sara Gauchat: "As Deborah herself has said, everything happens for the best. With that in mind, it's hard to pick something to change, for example, if AIP had done better, she may never have done Les Miz -- same thing with BMS and Grease." Rusty Shelby: "Since I've only been a fan since 1988, I can't say much for this question. If I could go back to 1988, I would do two things differently: 1) Keep all of her cassette singles from 1988-1989 in one piece, and 2) I would have joined D.G.I.F. _much_ earlier than I did." Kenny Tse, with a common answer, "I would probably attend the concert I missed in 1988 and buy more Deb stuff that was common then and extremely rare now." B> There has always been a lot of discussion as to where it all went sour for Deborah with respect to her early success and her recent struggles. Identify the major "turning point(s)" in her career and tell me why you think this is where it started downhill, or, for the more optimistic ones, changed gears. A conglomeration of answers follows. See if you can find some of yours in this: When Deborah broke up her managerial relationship with Doug Breitbart and went with her mother, she changed managers from a person who knew the music business [Breitbart] to one who did not [Diane], and that impacted the ability to allow Deborah to deal with her changing fan base, especially around the time of her Electric Youth World Tour, when she became a marketing phenomena with her perfume and make-up lines, among other things. Of course, it may not even be her fault, because the public may have just decided it didn't want her kind of music or personality, and decided to go to the more brainless music that many feel populated the charts. The fact that the first two albums were so cutesy, with her having been 18 and growing older by the day, also did not help. When _Anything Is Possible_ came out, too late for some people [not capitalizing on the success of _Electric Youth_], she stunned her previous fan base by turning much more mature in a seemingly sudden fashion. Of course, with that, Deborah lost a lot of that fan base. After the One Step Ahead Tour, she was able to branch out into theatre, and the rest, as Richard Jay Alexander so eloquently put it, is history. C> Fill in the blank: Deborah Gibson's music gives me _____________. Sara Gauchat: joy, along with faith in the world Marshall Weeks: a natural high Ray Allen: ammo (for tons of different things) Michelle Chobotar: inspiration and a positive outlook on life Matthew Jung: feeling Khurrum Sair: relaxation Ted Beers: a feeling of connecting with someone I greatly admire for her talents and humanity D> When I saw the "Losin' Myself" video, I saw Deborah do something I never thought she'd do in her strip-tease. What is one thing that you say Deborah would never do [not necessarily in a bad light], but, somehow, you just think she might do it anyway? Kenny Tse: "Possibly star in a controversial movie with nudity....I somehow don't see Deb stripping in front of the camera, that's not her style. However she will probably star in controversial movie sometime in the future." Michelle Chobotar: "I really doubt it will happen, but I can see Deb having a major down point in her career... By this I mean, she might even go through a period of depression or lack of self-esteem... Things might get a little tougher in the future for Deb...I hope she can handle everything for her sake." Ray Allen: "Get married in the next three years." A note before this month's poll: I'd like to include more responses. Trouble is, I can't. These poll articles are getting too long as they are so as not to entirely dominate the issues. I'll include as many responses as I can. With that, let's go to this month's poll. As usual, mail your answers by December 30, 1993 to: Michael Falkner or FALKNEMJ@CNSVAX.UWEC.EDU 436 1/2 Water St Eau Claire WI 54703 U.S.A. Topic: The future only belongs to the future itself. But what does it bring? In my first poll, I remember asking a question something to the effect of "Where do you see Deborah in five years?" To expand on that, and with more possible information that a new album might very well be released after the Grease run, I'd like to ask some questions about your opinions on the future of Deborah Gibson's careers. [Note: Plural.] 1a> "Knowing" Deborah as a fan, would you speculate that the next album would be more like ________________. Explain and defend. OUT OF THE BLUE ELECTRIC YOUTH ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE BODY MIND SOUL NONE OF THE ABOVE 1b> Which of the five would you _hope_ the next album be more like? 2> Taking into account Deborah's abilities, preferences, etc., what theatrical role would you like to see Deborah play next? 3> Deborah, in the past, has worked on screenplays, Broadway musicals (with Lamont Dozier), animated stories (like what she's doing now), along with her other projects. At what, other than her singing [or other music-making background] and stage acting, do you feel Deborah would be best qualified for? 4> [Submitted by Jeff Tharp] Do you think Deborah should do a mall tour to promote the next album, with autograph sessions? In answering this, keep in mind that she needs to get the public's attention since the radio stations no longer play her material. YES NO 5> In what other ways should Deborah try to get the public's attention toward her material? 6> It has been reported that Deborah turned down an attractive movie role made just before the Grease production was to start. [She had already committed to Grease, and this would have overlapped.] In what kind of movie role would you like to see Deborah? 7> Is it possible that Deborah could overwork herself and wear herself out with the breakneck pace she sometimes has? YES NO 8> What kind of Debbie Gibson fan do you see yourself as in five years? The results for this poll will appear in BtL 6.1. Remember, the deadline is December 30, 1993. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE =- Chris Foote - Surrey, England (shufoote@reading.ac.uk) November 25, 1993 On Monday, 15th November 1993, The Royal Variety Performance was hosted this year by The Dominion Theatre. (It was because of the necessary preparations for the show that Grease was off for a couple of weeks - giving the whole cast a well deserved break!) All the artists in the show donated their time, so that the proceeds could go to the Entertainment Artists Benevolent Fund. It is performed in front of The Queen, along with a packed house. On the following Saturday the whole show was on national television. With The Dominion being the host, the first act on stage was the cast of Grease. Deb and Craig walked on, as in a usual Grease show (but not on the balconies) and sang the opening version of "Sandy." As expected, Deb was brilliant, although dare I say she was a little nervous at first (but then if you were the first act on a variety show, singing in front of The Queen, wouldn't you?!). As in the usual Grease show, the whole cast came out and sang "Grease," and then quickly went into "Summer Nights" without any of the first day of school script. The only fault I could find, was that the sound wasn't quite up to scratch. The transition to television seemed to loose the depth, being rather echo-y. Besides, I don't think it was the usual orchestra that plays at The Dominion. Anyway, the audience seemed to like it, as they received a huge round of applause at the end. I thought it was a very good performance by all, and they have probably created an even bigger audience (and thereby selling the show out for even more months!). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBWATCH =- Here's a list of significant television appearances shown since the last issue of BtL. 11/13-14/93 : LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS (Syndicated) A short segment was shown about Deb performing in Grease (a clip of the "You're The One That I Want" video was shown) and living in London. Older clips from the 1991 interview she did with Lifestyles were shown, as well as new ones during an interview in her London hotel room. Her next album is said to be released after she returns to the United States. Deb also played part of a beautiful new ballad on the piano. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- According to D.G.I.F., the fan club has approximately 4,000 active members. There have been over 11,000 members in D.G.I.F. since it start in 1988. According to Chris Foote (shufoote@reading.ac.uk), the whole cast of Grease had been hit with the flu in late October and Deb was unable to appear in the October 30th, Saturday performance. The last BtL issue of 1993 will be released during the last week of December. Please get your submissions for the year-end issue in by December 22nd.