=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 19 - December 21, 1995 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 KEITH ROBISON - Keith Robison INTRO BY DAVID W. LEMONS - David W. Lemons INTRO BY HEATH CLARK - Heath Clark WILMINGTON NEWS JOURNAL ARTICLE - Ross Smith GREASE IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE - Greg Murphy UPDATE ON 1995 CHARITY HOLIDAY GIFT - Myra Wong THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC - Melissa Fosseen CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- Between the Lines (ISSN 1201-4826, electronic publication ISSN 1201-4834) 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 1995, Between the Lines. This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Gibson, GMI Entertainment, Inc., Electric And Musical Industries (EMI), 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 EMI April Music, Inc./ Possibilities Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- Between the Lines has a central account and e-mail address. Please send all administrative requests and submissions to: BtL@btl.org 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 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 laser 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 $4.25 Cdn. for 5 issues / $2.50 Cdn. for back issues on disk United States $4.25 U.S. for 5 issues / $2.50 U.S. for back issues on disk International $6.00 U.S. for 5 issues / $3.50 U.S. 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@ucsd.edu Felix Ng : fng@btl.org =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY KEITH ROBISON =- Keith Robison - Cypress, California November 17, 1995 Greetings Debbie Gibson fans! My name is Keith. I live in Cypress, California, and I'm a history major at Long Beach State. I have been a devoted fan of Deborah's ever since I heard "Lost In Your Eyes" and "Electric Youth" on the radio. I instantly liked those songs. And so I went out and bought Deb's album _Electric Youth_ and found her first one, _Out of The Blue_. I listened to them over and over. I couldn't help but marvel at what a great voice she has. From then on I was a devoted fan. I joined D.G.I.F. in 1991 and have been a content member ever since. When _Anything Is Possible_ came out, I went to my local music store to buy it. I thought it was a decent album. I don't know why it didn't do better. When _Body Mind Soul_ was released, I was right there to get it. It's not my favorite album, but I do like it. Anyway, I really love Deborah's new album _Think With Your Heart_. What can I say except that it's brilliant, beautiful and romantic. I think this is her best album to date. I had the privilege this summer to see Debbie twice in one week. First at the "Mike & Maty" show and then at the House of Blues concert. Seeing her perform and sing was a dream come true for me. I will remember that concert forever. Well this intro is getting long, so I best be going. I would just like to say how pleased I am to have found a discussion forum for Debbie Gibson fans. It can be lonely when none of your friends share your appreciation for Deborah and her music. Listening to Deborah always lifts my spirits. Goodbye for now. Sincerely, Keith Robison P.S. - If you want, you can write me the old fashioned way at: Keith Robison 11618 Onyx St. Cypress, CA 90630 U.S.A. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY DAVID W. LEMONS =- David W. Lemons - Diamond Bar, California (dwaynel8@aol.com) October 31, 1995 This is my intro and to start out I guess I have to say it has been a dream year for me. My name is David W. Lemons and I have been a fan for a long time. I'm 21 years old and have been a Southern California resident all my life. I am a junior at Long Beach State University majoring in History with intentions of receiving a teaching credential. I work as a student teacher and teacher's aid to gain experience for my career work. I also volunteer my time and coach 8 and 9 year old girls in soccer which is basically the highlight of my week, well that is unless Deb is in the area and I have an opportunity to see her. I don't remember the exact day I became a fan, but I do remember the events that led up to it. I was listening to the radio with a friend of mine and we heard "Only In My Dreams" come on and we both were very into the song. I told my friend it sounded like a new Belinda Carlisle song since she had just put out a new album (_Heaven Is A Place On Earth_) but my friend corrected me and said it was by a new singer named Debbie Gibson. She also informed me that this new talent was only about 17 years old and that totally blew my mind. In the following days I constantly listened to the radio in hopes to hear OIMD again. I heard it off and on over the next couple of days. But my real surprise was when I turned on the television one day and saw Debbie scheduled to appear on a Disney special dedicated to "Baby Jessica." Well I couldn't stay away...I tuned in and have never tuned out a note of Debbie's music since. I wasn't a really avid music collector at the time so basically the only tape I had was a recorded one of all Deb's songs I caught on the radio. I finally got off my duff and went to the music store and picked up the _Out of the Blue_ cassette. I still have the exact same tape today but of course it has lost some of its vitality, the quality that is not the music itself. I still listen to that tape also in my car since my car CD player is on the fritz. I listened to that tape everyday back then and I'm surprised it hasn't got "eaten" yet. I was in kind of a haze though because I didn't have MTV or anything like that so I really didn't have a good visual frame of reference. All I had seen her on was that Disney special. When the "Out of the Blue" videos and the Live In Concert videotapes came out, I was so happy. Those held me over to the release of _Electric Youth_. I went to a very strict high school which sort of set restrictions on what you could and couldn't listen to. Because of this I was surprised that I was the only Deb fan in my high school. Other people knew of her but really weren't interested enough to go out and buy her stuff. So when EY came out they were really surprised I was still listening to her, although I did hear several other people humming the tune to "Lost In Your Eyes" since it was the #1 single at the time, but they still didn't want to make the effort to go out and buy the album. I was so excited when I heard that Deb was coming into town. It was right around my birthday so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go see her live. But it was on a Sunday night and I had to go to a school function after church and couldn't get away. The closest I got to seeing her was her appearance on the Arsenio Hall show. When _Anything Is Possible_ came out I bought it right away, along with the "Live Around The World" concert video that was released at the same time. Although I sent a request into D.G.I.F. to become a member my paperwork got messed up and I thought it probably wasn't worth the effort (boy, was I wrong). Since I wasn't in D.G.I.F. I had no clue Deb was on tour until it was too late and missed her live show again when it was in Anaheim. Although since I was still in high school and at school from 8 A.M until 9 P.M. six days a week I doubt I would have found time to go. After _Body Mind Soul_ came out I kind of lost track of what Deb was doing since I wasn't in D.G.I.F. But that would all change during this last summer. Since I wasn't in D.G.I.F., I had no idea Deb had a new album out. I just happened to see it on the shelves. This is were the start of my "Dream Year" began. I listened to the album and loved every track. I then looked on the back to see if I could finally join D.G.I.F. So I called the hotline and not only was there information on D.G.I.F. but it also informed me that Deb was going to be in my area taping an episode of "The Mike & Maty Show." I immediately got tickets, cleared my work schedule and anticipated the fateful day. While I was anticipating M&M I heard (over the hotline) that while in L.A., Deb would be doing a concert at the House of Blues. I couldn't believe my luck, I finally would get to see Debbie. Eight years without even seeing her live and I get to see her twice in one week. Well since you all have heard about M&M and HOB I will just add that it was the greatest week of my life. But the "Dream Year" wasn't over yet. Myra Wong gave me a subscription notice to BtL at the M&M taping and I had no idea what I was getting into. I had no idea what I had been missing all of these years. Immediately after the HOB I was online and chatting with other fans--it was incredible. Through my friends online I found out about the "Step By Step" taping and went to that too. I finally got a chance to meet all of these people I had been talking to over the computer in person. And not only that another chance to meet Deb. That night was great and Deb gave me the thrill of a lifetime. I would like to conclude by saying thank you to all of you who helped me get "connected" into this great circle of friends. Without you all I don't believe I would even be talking about this "Dream Year" of mine let alone experiencing it firsthand. My only regret is that I wish I had known about you all earlier. If someone would have told me at the beginning of the year that Deb would have a new album out, I would meet her three times, she would sing to me while sitting in my lap, and I would find a group of friends like I have now, I would have asked them what they had been smoking the night before. Finally, a thanks To Deb and all of her supporting cast who unfortunately I am unable to thank in person. Deb, thanks for all the inspiring music and words that have brightened all of our lives. And also thanks for the positive attitude you always portray which makes it so much easier for me to put it across to all I meet also. Thank you to all who support Deb and her fans in all that she does. You all do an excellent job. Thank you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY HEATH CLARK =- Heath Clark - Houston, Texas (hac14793@Bayou.UH.EDU) December 2, 1995 A Tale Of Mystery, Suspense, And Nuclear Weapons I'm finally getting around to finishing this intro message! In fact, this is the last paragraph I'm writing, so I know everything I'm about to say already. It's actually a rather weird feeling, akin to taking a bath in 7-Up, but really, it seems to have been worth it. Oh yeah, as a last bit of information I write before I save this thing and go watch a recorded episode of "Babylon 5," I am a Libra in good standing, and a Dragon if you go by the Chinese Zodiac. My favorite goddess from any mythology is Isis, from the Great Ennead of the Egyptians. It is my eternal quest to either find or have made a pair of pink sweatsocks with Deborah's old logo on them, and a pink headband with the same logo. Well, that's it for my introduction. Have fun reading it everybody! Anecdotes aside, hello! Yes, I am, in fact, a new member. Anybody wondering may rest assured that no, "Fons Taddic" is just a handle (and despite popular opinion, has nothing to do with "Happy Days"). I am Heath Clark, a recently-turned 19 year old College Student (RTV/Sociology). When not exclusively wreaking mental chaos upon the minds of the entire human race (within a reasonable distance), I enjoy swordfighting, archery, dancing, writing (science fiction/fantasy), philosophy, role-playing games, contemplating the mass media, and conducting research of psychological responses from a randomly-selected dependent group under abnormal conditions. Obviously, as evidenced by the fact that I'm here writing this, Deborah is one of my favorite musical artists. I first started listening to her in '87, when I saw my first music video ("Shake Your Love" was the #1 requested video on "Nick Rocks"). I really didn't understand the music, but something DID draw me to it. Unfortunately, I lost track of Deb a few years later, just after "Electric Youth." She was on my mind off and on until February of '94, when I bought my first of her albums, _Out of the Blue_. Listening to her again was a wonderful feeling; I didn't really realize how much I missed her music. I quickly fell in love with "Only In My Dreams" (But freaked out when I heard "Red Hot"! Remember, before, I'd only heard "Out of the Blue," "Shake Your Love," "Foolish Beat," "Electric Youth," and "Staying Together"). Afterwards, I fanatically set out on my quest to find any other existing Deb albums. _Electric Youth_ was easy enough to get ahold of, since I already knew it existed (I love "We Could Be Together"). I ran into _Body Mind Soul_ by accident (Can you say, culture shock!). I finally asked around, and found _Anything Is Possible_. _Out of the Blue_ is still my favorite album of the five currently released, _Think With Your Heart_ coming in a close second. Since my re-introduction to Deborah, her music and personal statements have influenced my own outlooks and philosophies greatly. She struck me (And still does), as one of the few people in the world with a truly good heart, and honest wishes to simply make everybody around her happier, all without sacrificing a prominent individuality. It's the feeling that she inspires in people, and that I hope one day I will be able to inspire myself. (Deborah: If you're reading, here's where I believe the answer to the question "Am I really worth traveling across the world for?" lies. You are a rare person; I've never met anyone with the strength, spirit, caring, and enlightenment that you portray in your music. I can only guess that those feelings become stronger, and even rather contagious in person. At the moment, however, I can only anticipate the chance to find out.) Which, fortunately, I will! After too many years of waiting, it's going to take a large scale nuclear meltdown or something equally inconvenient to keep me away from meeting her at the San Antonio performance of Grease. Then again, if I can find a radiation suit... The only artist I enjoy nearly as much as Deborah is Sophie B. Hawkins, and despite the clear differences in their music, both express a mix of strength, sensitivity, and energy in their music which I find rather additive. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the two will at some point do something together. I, personally, believe the pair would be an extremely enchanting mix. Anyway, my ultimate aspiration is to single-handedly unite the current worldwide media oligarchy into a monopoly, hook the feed's source up to a specially modified Atari system, and broadcast hours of family fun playing Space Invaders. If not that, I'm particularly interested in going into the Hollywood biz and writing/producing for the screens of all sizes. Lastly, at some point I want to try my hand at stand-up comedy. Anybody wishing to email me for discussion may do so at hac14793@bayou.uh.edu. I enjoy media and philosophy-related topics immensely. A quote from a wise friend of mine: "Be nice to other people. They outnumber you 2 billion to one." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= WILMINGTON NEWS JOURNAL ARTICLE =- Ross Smith - Newark, Delaware (rsmith@cms.uncwil.edu) November 25, 1995 The following article appeared in the Monday, November 13th "Pace" section of the WILMINGTON NEWS JOURNAL. "Pace" is the section that contains all the entertainment info, comics, TV listings, live performances, etc. This was the week she was at the Playhouse Theatre in Wilmington, DE. The article takes up about two thirds of the front page of the section. It contains 2 pictures, a color Deb-as-Rizzo 12"x6" that was apparently taken from the same photo session as the poster in the program. It is a different pose though. She is in a hitch-hiking pose instead of the arms-crossed pose. Also, there is a 4"x2.5" color face shot of the picture on the inside front cover of the CD. There are some great quotes in here. Without further ado... Pop princess grows up (full page headline in 1.5" type) Debbie Gibson stretches her wings on stage (below headline in .5" type) by Joe Szczechoski Debbie Gibson sold millions of dance-pop albums in the late 80's and early 90's with a clean-cut, girl-next-door image that appealed to both her pre-pubescent fans and their parents. So when folks hear that Gibson is starring in the latest production of "Grease," most assume she is playing Sandy Dumbrowski, the good-girl role popularized by Olivia Newton-John in the file version. Guess again. Gibson is starring all right, but in the role of Betty Rizzo, the tough-talking bad-girl from the wrong side of the tracks. In a recent telephone interview, Gibson pointed out that like Sandy, she probably has more in common with Rizzo than her public image implies. "Most people would think that I don't have a lot in common with Rizzo, but I can relate to her on many levels," Gibson said. "Rizzo's very energetic, very spirited. She's gutsy, she's tough, and yet she's vulnerable. All those qualities are shared by Sandy as well, which is why at the end of the show the two characters come together." Gibson did portray Sandy in a recent London production of the show. But when producers were casting the current U.S. touring company, Gibson lobbied to play Rizzo. Having cast against type before (Brooke Shields played Rizzo on Broadway last year), Gibson seemed like a logical choice. Still, Gibson knew that taking the part would cause more than a few smirks of disbelief. "I think people don't often realize I've got a sense of humor about myself," Gibson says. "If there is a Debbie Gibson joke to be heard, I've heard it. I enjoy seeing how other people react when I play a part or record with someone they wouldn't expect." Along those lines, Gibson appeared earlier this year singing backing vocals for the song "I Wanna Destroy You" on an album appropriately entitled, "Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities," by the punk band Circle Jerks. Gibson's own recording career is still in full swing. A few months ago, she released "Think With Your Heart," a collection of mostly piano and orchestra ballads for SBK Records. Also just out is a greatest hits collection from Gibson's old record label, Atlantic. "I definitely want to keep it all balanced," Gibson says. "I've been cross-promoting my new album while I'm on the road with "Grease." I've always loved and admired Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Patti LuPone --- people who have incorporated stage and screen work with a recording career." Gibson is no stranger to the stage. In 1992 she appeared on Broadway portraying Eponine in "Les Miserables." She's also done guest appearances on television shows such as "Street Justice" and an upcoming "Step By Step." She says there is also the possibility of her shooting a television pilot for her own show next season. Gibson feels that her stage and screen work will only broaden her fan base. "People come out to shows for various reasons, and they might see someone like me that they were otherwise not familiar with," she says. Now 25 years old, Gibson's teen-idol days are behind her. But while Gibson has grown up, her public image has lagged behind. She says it can be frustrating trying to shake those public preconceptions. "On one hand, I feel like I've paid my dues and people should be waiting for my next single to come out," Gibson says. "And on the other hand I realize that growing as an artist is more a readjustment for my fans than for me. All I'm doing is growing and changing naturally. Other people have trouble with it." "But I find that it's through live performance that people really get a feel for what you're all about. That's why I like being out there. Rather than sit home and plan and scheme and create images, I'd rather just go out and perform. I'm confident that over time people will come around. Instead of trying to jump on a trend, I'm going to stick with what I love to do." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= GREASE IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE =- Greg Murphy - Erial, New Jersey (CMGB39A@prodigy.com) November 27, 1995 I'm going to admit it. I might be an obsessed Debbie Gibson fan. After discovering the NRG^ web site I became a daily visitor to that location and the newsgroups. Let's just say I've listened and loved her music from its very start. But that's not this story, it's just exposition. You see, I was fearful that such frequent voyeuristic visits were a sign of mental unstability (and I'm still not sure they're not. I'm the first one to admit, I'm nuts, as anyone who knows me will tell you, but I'm not crazy! At least I don't think so). So when I found that Deb was touring with Grease, I finally felt I could get a chance to see her sing and act, up close and personal. My 10 year old daughter was having her birthday in October, and what better gift for her (also a Deb fan) than a ticket to the show. I'll bring my wife too! So the day tickets went on sale, I was first at the box office to buy my daughter 4th row seats for the November 17th show. How was I supposed to know Deb was going to be on "Step By Step" that night? I couldn't get enough information about the tour. I read three Deb electronic services a day, leading up to the show. I know you're saying he's either normal, nuts or obsessed. Well, in my judgment, I was obsessed. She's going to meet with the fans after the performance! This was more than I could ever have imagined. I decided which CD cover I would have her sign. Oh well, I had to give my first choice of _Greatest Hits_ to my daughter, her first choice. Hey, I said I was obsessed, not a bad parent! And I went with my second choice of _Think With Your Heart_. Even bought a special gold pen for her to sign the GH cover with and a fine tip black marker for TWYH. (Save this important detail for later.) AHHHH! It's Tuesday and Deb is out of the show, sick with Tonsillitis! And it's unknown when she'll return. I got to know the woman at the theater box office with my daily afternoon calls on Deb's status. By Thursday, I was sweating bullets! (I understand Deb was also, with a 102 fever) Now we have a 10 year old daughter, who may be crushed not seeing her idol, a 43 year old nut (I'm really to old for this!) who may be crushed for not seeing his idol, and a wife who's not too thrilled about seeing Sally Struthers for 165 bucks. Friday, the call comes from the theater. Deb'll be there! We will too! Here is my review of Deb's performance in Grease, in Wilmington Delaware. First, I had 4th row seats, which I knew would be just right to see both her and the show in the right aspect. (I don't really like front row seats, because even though you see the actors better, you really have a poor view of the overall show.) The Vince Fontaine and Miss Lynch (Sally Struthers) characters really did a _great_ job warming up the audience, prior to the opening number. A real nice job of direction and acting there. I'll have to admit it, too, Sally was real good as comic relief in the show. Now since my daughter and myself were there to see Deb and the show (my wife was there for the show and Deb), we were nervously squirming in our seats for our first view of her. Then the curtain went up! The set was a scrim with head cut-outs in it and school choral bodies drawn on it. All you saw of the actors were their heads. WHICH ONE WAS DEB? Well, a quick scan of the stage didn't make it that difficult to pick her out. Even though you only saw her head and her hair was a blue/black color, her facial expressions were very animated as she sang the choral version of "We Go Together" with the rest of the cast. You could clearly tell she was a performer while the others appeared to be actors. I found it interesting that this type of staging for this show, right from the beginning and throughout, really doesn't highlight anyone as the star of the show, which does match the theme of the song and show. However, the scrim went up and each of the main Greasers introduced themselves quickly, one at a time. My heart jumped when she yelled out "Rizzo". Her voice sounded fine even though it was her first day back from having tonsillitis. What?! No thunderous applause with her first line? Don't these people know who she is? Now she looked hot! Her black jeans, corset-type pink ladies bowling top (doing the miracle bra thing) and adagio healed shoes (for you foot freaks) really showed off her curves and figure. I was amazed at her hair. I could not believe that her hair could take the frequent dying and styling for it to be so black. Imagine my surprise when I saw her at the meet-and-greet as a blonde (her, not me). I have to find out how they do that with such natural looking wigs! She was real expressive and again facially animated (I love that in any actor/actress), and did a fine job right off the bat establishing her role as more of a caricature of a tough NY high school girl. I had no problem with this, as the roles in this show _are_ a lampoon and _should_ be played BIG. Her first big scene, where she had lots of lines, was the bathroom pajama party scene. She again looked great in her nightgown, but they did a lousy job of hiding (or not hiding) her body microphone wires. They were dangling loosely up her bare back. Augh! I hate sloppy details in a professional show. This also meant that the transmitter was hidden up under the back of her hair (or wig as it turned out). I noticed that as her lines were spoken, you heard some noise on her sound channel. As I've done some sound work before in the past, I knew this could be a problem with either the sound board or her microphone. And it usually gets worse. (As usual, hold this detail for later.) The pajama party scene has the girls chugging out of a gallon wine bottle as they pass it around. Well, here's source #1 for her tonsillitis germs. She was featured in a sarcastic reprise of "Greased Lightnin'" after Kenickie (not Danny like the movie), her main boyfriend in the show sings the well known verses of the song. Her outfit? I liked it a lot! All black, with black leather jacket and black leather brazier top, exposing belly! Like Jeannie, no belly button! Did I say I liked this outfit a lot?! She plants a big one on Kinickie's sensors at the end of the song (source #2). Most of the production numbers in between hers were memorable but staged not to my complete liking. "Born To Hand Jive" was done well, and Deb danced as well as all the rest, while maintaining her character at all times, chewing and spinning her gum on her finger. I always liked the Kenickie/Rizzo dirty dancing that they get thrown out of the dance contest with. The tension that built between the Sandy and Rizzo characters was very well established, and Deb acted downright cruel to her at times. Her acting and change of caricature to character upon exposing to her friends she maybe pregnant was well done. This dramatic switch was well executed and added to the punch of the topic. After all, being pregnant today is not the shock it was in the '50s or when I originally saw the show (read as, "At least you don't have AIDS" attitude nowadays). But, she sold the feeling. I was really looking forward to "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" as I have always felt this to be one of the great Broadway belting songs, and have loved it and the feelings it conveys ever since I saw it back in '75). I just knew Deb would do a fantastic job at it. Now dust off that tidbit about her body microphone. During the basement party scene leading up to TAWTICD, Deb's volume was dropping noticeably (at least to me) in the dialog with the other characters. I could see she was pushing her projection to make up for the malfunctioning microphone. Then I thought about her upcoming song and her recent illness and panicked for her. OH GOD! SHE'S NOT GOING TO BE MIKED FOR THE SONG! Being a pro, she'll push to make up the volume, and blow out her vocal cords, and be back on the injured list. Without missing a beat, Deb casually strolled to the stage wing, during the intro dialog of her song, and nonchalantly was handed one of the handheld microphones used in other parts of the show. WAY TO GO DEB! What a pro! I'm almost certain this number was originally staged without the handheld (let me know if I'm wrong folks). She nailed the song in the true Gibson style. Her voice was as fine as ever. If you don't know theater the next item may not make any sense. She's a great one, she spits! Upon the, "I could sit home every night" line, she punched the "night" lyric with a spray that would have made Placido Domingo proud. I was in heaven. Did I ever tell you guys I do theater, too? Did I also mention I liked her leather outfit a lot? Once again, I had a problem with the pace of the show. Immediately upon completion of Deb's number they start into Sandy's chords for the "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee" reprise. I realize this made for a better dramatic transition for the characters but I also felt I and Deb were robbed of the ability to give and get applause. Heck, this is musical comedy, not Shakespeare. With the closing number, the "All Choked Up" song from the original show, Deb as Rizzo plants a big one on Eugene the Nerd (source #3, for those of you keeping score). Clearly indicating to all of you Deb boyfriend wantabees, you do have chance, PINK! (read as, NOT!) Lots of applause, a neat casual curtain call, and on to our Deb meet-and- greet. This is a long part, but hang in there. It's my humble opinion, all of it, so try not to fault me for it, and just go along for the ride. After the show, at the stage door, (an indoor stage door that empties into the lobby; the man who designed this theater was a genius!) we positioned ourselves for our autographs, photos and questions. I had my covers (and pens), camera and... RATS, what was I going to say/ask her so I didn't come across as the obsessed fan that I thought I was? While we waited, we saw other actors leaving and got their autographs and began to notice the nature of other fans hanging around. Lots of young teen aspiring singer/actresses who were there to see their mentor. The occasional older teen boy in a tuxedo (I wonder why?) and one fan that caught my eye. An older -- alright, he wasn't so old, he was my age! -- how can I best describe him? Well, he was a downright obsessed fan. No, that's too kind, stalker was more like it. If there was a stalker rating system he was easily 95 out of 100. He proudly spoke to other people that he had all of Deb's five albums and he knew what "86" meant. Well, as obsessed as this guy was, no one was going to spoil my chance for a meet and greet, after all I'm obsessed too! Then he piped up again, "Oh, this is awful, my pen's not working." Damn stalkers, if you're going to be obsessive/compulsive, bring two pens like me!! "Does anyone have a pen!!" Now my daughter, being a big hearted person, hands the black pen I gave her to Mr. Social. "Thank you little boy." Oh great, a blind stalker! I tell my daughter I have an extra pen, so don't worry we can still get Deb's autograph. My daughter says, "Look at that man, he's so excited his hands are shaking." Oh! Oh! His score just went to a 98. Of course his hands were shaking, he's obsessed! I hid the fact from my daughter that mine were shaking too. O.K., my personal score just went to an 85. "Hey folks, I think I found Debbie!" her bodyguard announced, as Deb stepped through the door. She was sincerely surprised (or maybe still delirious from the fever) at the size of the crowd to meet her, about 40 people. She sweetly met with each person in turn saying that she was feeling better, that it was nice to have this gathering indoors for a change and asking all if they enjoyed the show. I coached my shy daughter to go up to her and she got her autograph and I took her picture with Deb. Now's my chance! OH NO! Herr Nutcake has cut in between me and Deb, and me without a question yet. Now this guy starts, "It's a great honor...waited all my life....would you answer some questions?" Deb was super polite and entertained his first one "What ever happened to the movie 'Skirts' you were going to do in 1989 and what happened to the 2 songs you were supposed to record for this movie?" What is this, freaking Barbara Walters? Deb answered his question very politely and he continued, "What does it mean in your song when you say..." I didn't catch the rest because my head was spinning and I could see that Deb's was too. She fielded that question with an answer, "It's about when you want something real bad but you just have reach for it." But she was looking over her shoulder by now for her bodyguard and the stage door for a retreat. Oh God, I'm going to miss my chance. Think quick FOOL! His next question was lost in the haze, Deb politely responded, "I'm really not up for this, I've had a fever all week!" SHE'S GOING TO MAKE A BREAK FOR THE DOOR! ACT QUICK! I reached over the stalker and I handed Deb the TWYH cover and my gold pen. As I did, our hands touched! It was like electricity! I could feel she wanted out of there, and quick! Perhaps I was Kevin Costner to her Whitney Houston (or Cody to her Christi). SAY SOMETHING NOW TO SAVE HER! "Hey Deb!" I blurted, "What do you think of Howard Stern?" NICE GOING GREG! This was the question your mind came up with? I knew now that either she would: a) run for the door b) run to the arms of the stalker or c) vomit (hey, she could have said she was still sick). With this Deb looked right up at me, our eyes made contact and a HUGE smile along with laughter broke out on her face. "I think he's GREAT! I like Howard a lot! He's real fun, he's a real great actor!" I think she may have been still feverish! Howard's been called lots of things, but a great actor? (Although, I do agree with her on this point.) She returned the cover and pen to me. Oh my god, it says "Love, Debbie Gibson"! I thanked her and told her performance was great and that she was a real pro! With that she escaped back to the stage door to Diane's and her bodyguard's protection. Our obsessed friend kept firing the questions, down the hall at Deb's back, yelling "Wait, this isn't fair!" My family all left the theater with a real neat meet-and-greet Deb experience. And I'm more secure in the fact that I may not be as nuts as I thought I was. It's O.K. to be obsessed as long as you can balance it with your REAL family and work life. (As I think most of us that read BtL are! At least I hope we are!) And Mr. Stalker if your reading this, I hope you don't take any offense to any of this. And if you do, I hope you're not the Unibomber! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= UPDATE ON 1995 CHARITY HOLIDAY GIFT =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@ucsd.edu) December 17, 1995 Due to unavoidable circumstances, major changes have been made regarding the 1995 Charity Holiday Gift for Deborah. This was started by Michael Falkner as announced in BtL 7.17. He is forwarding all materials to me. The group gift will now be given to Deborah on Tuesday, January 23rd in Cerritos, California. If there are difficulties that day, she will definitely receive the gift (and any late contributions) during the week of February 6-11th in San Diego, California. Any contributions received after that will be forwarded to Deborah at D.G.I.F. via postal mail. Personally, I feel that this change in timing in no way changes the thoughtfulness and generosity of this gift. I am sure Deborah and the charities will appreciate our gift no matter when or how it is given. However, if this modified timetable is unacceptable, you may request to withdrawal your donation. As a reminder, here is a summary of this group gift. Please select one or more of the following charities and make a check out to that charity. 1. The St. Mary's Children's and Families Foundation of Syosset, New York 2. The Make-A-Wish Foundation 3. Lifebeat 4. The T.J. Martell Foundation 5. Children's International Mail the check(s), along with a maximum of one page holiday note/card to Deborah to: Myra Wong P.O. Box 927325 San Diego, CA 92192-7325 Also send your name, address, e-mail address and indicate if you would like your donation to be anonymous or not. The deadline is Monday, January 22nd. Deborah will be given a letter explaining the gift, a list of charities and donors, everyone's letters/cards to her, and all the checks (along with envelopes to send to each charity). The charities will receive a letter of explanation, a list of donors, and checks. Donors will receive copies of the letter to Deborah, the letters to the charities, and the list of charities and donors. Our goal is to beat the $532.00 that we gave last December to the St. Mary's Children and Families Foundation. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC =- Melissa Fosseen - Fargo, North Dakota (fosseen@plains.nodak.edu) December 2, 1995 "Everyone has their own opinion..." It seems that this is very true of critics on Deb. I have not yet had the privilege to hear any of her new songs on the radio. In fact I called the AC station here in Fargo and they told me they would see if they had it. I am curious as to how a radio station could not have it, especially if it's the type of music they play. But, as a fan, I have decided that I am the critic which is important to the musician I am listening to. We hear how people in papers and magazines have crushed her appearance on "Step By Step," how her new album is missing quite a bit of what first made her famous, that she is "over the hill." Why should what they say matter when there are still so many of us who still purchase and listen to her music, when there are still those of us who go to her performances even if we have to travel several hundred miles? Lately, I have tuned one of my roommates into Deb's music. In fact she really likes her two most recent albums, neither of which were acclaimed by the critics or had record sales. So, there must be something about Deb that sticks out even for those who are not "fans." Is it her personality? I doubt it since some of us have not even met her. Is it her attire? That may have been 10 years ago, but not now. So what is it? I think it must be the realness of what she writes and sings about. Regardless of what many say, I think there is genuine Debbie in every song she sings, every note she plays, everything she writes. That is what draws us to her. She is genuine. Face it, we could smell a phoney miles away and she is not it! So why this article? Because I feel that something always needs to be said for any good that is out there. Deborah is good, she is real, she know how to connect with people's feelings, thoughts, and even memories. She does what she does because it is what she wants to do, not because someone told her to. She does it because she loves it and if someone else can love it too, then it is just an added blessing. Time will go on and Deb may or may not record any more albums. Be that as it may, we still have all that she gave us. We can still feel and think and remember. We can still find something in the lyrics to hold on to and make a part of us. What else is music really for if we can't keep it in our hearts? Well, Deb has filled my heart with song. In the words of ABBA, "Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing. Thanks for all the joy they're bringing. Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty what would life be? Without a song or dance what are we? So I say thank you for the music...for giving it to me." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- The episode of "Step By Step" guest starring Debbie Gibson scored a 10.6 rating (each rating point represents 954,000 households) and an estimated 17.6 million viewers, with a ranking of #41 out of approximately 100 prime time television shows for that week. The rec.music.artists.debbie-gibson newsgroup is being made available via an e-mail gateway. To subscribe, send e-mail to RMADG-request@NrgUp.Com with a subject of "subscribe". Debbie Gibson did a taping of the "Jenny Jones" show on December 14th. According to the D.G.I.F. hotline, the show will air either December 24th or 25th. However, there is a good possibility that it will air this Friday, December 22nd. Check your local listings. D.G.I.F. 7.3, a newsletter featuring photos from Deb's summer promo tour, was sent out in late November. A holiday postcard was sent out recently. 1996 calendars will be shipped out the first week of January. BtL 7.19 is the last issue of 1995. Winners of this year's best articles contest will be decided upon and announced in the first issue of next year. We'll see you in 1996 with Volume 8. Debbie Gibson continues in the U.S. Touring Production of "Grease" in the lead role of "Rizzo." The following is a list of remaining show dates as announced by D.G.I.F. and individual theatres. All dates are subject to change. Call individual theatres for tickets and more information. Dec 12 - Jan 6 Chicago, Illinois Shubert Theatre Jan 9 - Jan 14 Vancouver, B.C. Queen Elizabeth Jan 16 - Jan 21 Portland, Oregon Portland Civic Auditorium Jan 23 - Jan 28 Cerritos, California Cerritos Center Jan 30 - Feb 4 Palm Desert, California McCallum Theatre Feb 6 - Feb 11 San Diego, California Copley Symphony Hall Feb 13 - Feb 18 Tempe, Arizona Gammage Auditorium Feb 20 - Feb 25 San Antonio, Texas Majestic Theatre Feb 27 - Feb 29 TO BE ANNOUNCED Mar 1 - Mar 3 Minneapolis, Minnesota Orpheum Theatre 1995 has truly been an amazing year for Debbie Gibson and her fans! D.G.I.F. appeared online in January, followed by the fans' (im)patient waiting for _Think With Your Heart_, Deborah's debut on SBK Records. A whirlwind summer promotional tour in the United States and SouthEast Asia, her first appearance on a television sitcom ("Step By Step"), and her second role in Grease, this time as the "bad girl" in the U.S. touring production. There are a lot of adjectives that describe Debbie Gibson, but "busy" definitely tops them all for 1995. BtL would like to wish all of its readers a wonderful close to 1995, and a happy new year!