Girlfriend and Julie Wolf, the interview
In addition to having killer chops as a musician, Julie Wolf is quite possibly the nicest person you’ll ever meet. She’s currently the Musical Director for Berkeley Rep’s Girlfriend, a musical about a budding romance between two gay teens. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, you’ll also have the joy of seeing her perform with her all dyke band (Julie – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals; Shelley Doty – lead guitar, backing vocals; Jean DuSablon – bass; ieela Grant – drums). I interviewed her on the set of Girlfriend, and we discussed how this musical is totally sweet and how Berkeley Rep is totally rad.
This whole show is full of fabulous queers. Todd Almond wrote the musical, which was inspired by Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album Girlfriend. He’s got some serious gayboy street cred, which you can see by his mashup of Bach and Dolly Parton here. Todd also recently released a cd of his own work, Mexico City, which you can buy online or at the show.
Berkeley Rep is also a great place to see live theater. Good sightlines, and an intimate feel without being claustrophobic. They have special discount tickets for the under 30 crowd. Food and alcohol, including, yes, hard liquor (!), are available in the lobby. And in stroke of genius, you can preorder your gustatory delights before the show starts, and have them waiting for you at intermission. Check out their trailer for Girlfriend:
Who’s who
Todd Almond, Book, Vocal Arrangements and Additional Orchestrations
Matthew Sweet, Music and Lyrics
Joe Goode, Choreographer
Les Waters, Director
David Zinn, Scenic and Costume Design
Japhy Weideman, Lighting Design
Jake Rodriguez, Sound Design
Julie Wolf, Music Director
Michael Suenkel *, Stage Manager
Mina Morita, Assistant Director
Cast (in order of appearance)
Ryder Bach, Will
Jason Hite, Mike
Tyler Costin, Understudy (for Mr. Bach and Mr. Hite)
Musicians
Julie Wolf, Rhythm Guitar / Keyboards / Backing Vocals
Shelley Doty, Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals
Jean DuSablon, Bass
ieela Grant, Drums
World Premiere: April 9-May 16, 2010, with a possible extension to May 23.
Berkeley Repertory Theater: 2025 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Great interview! Love Matthew Sweet’s music (GIrlfriend and 100% Fun are two of my favorite albums of all time). I loved this show… saw it last weekend (w/o my partner… he couldn’t make it) but I am taking him on Sunday. It was so cool to hear more from Julie and more about this hot, great band. They are a big part of Girlfriend’s success. Julie’s performance of “You Don’t Love Me” in the second act is heartrending and the perfect way to do that song at that point in the show. I’d be first in line for the cast album. Thanks for this piece.