Ask Deb

As promised, for anyone who had additional questions for Deborah after her appearance on my show last week, feel free to leave them in the comment section of this post. I will then forward the questions on to Deborah and she will be able to answer in her own words! And for anyone who missed the interview, or would like to hear it again, it is available on iTunes or by visiting www.thebaubshow.com

PHOTOS: Deborah Gibson Gets Devilish for Halloween

October 30th, 2009 12:14 pm / Author: Nicole Eggenberger

’80s pop star Deborah Gibson made of her once squeaky-clean image by dressing up as a sexy devil on Thursday as host of Hallow-Eighties in Las Vegas. Debbie hosted the pre-Halloween ’80s bash at Tao inside the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. The nearly 40-year-old proved she’s still got it by showing off her sexy abs.

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Every Body Needs Some Buddy!

November 3, 2009

by Christine Gerani

Merrick resident Buddy Casimano, has been gracing stages all over the world for over 25 years. Best known as Deborah “Debbie” Gibson’s backup dancer for most of her tours he has also performed on Broadway, films and has choreographed some of music’s greatest entertainers. Buddy is also a fitness trainer who teaches classes and trains all over Long Island. You can now purchase his new fitness DVD Buddy’s Broadway Body: Abs…olutely Fierce Abs…and work out right in your own home! For more information visit BuddyCasimano.com.

I had the pleasure of visited Buddy last week after one of his fitness classes at N. Shore Fitness in East Meadow. We had the best time reminiscing about our time with Deborah (I too had the honor of touring with Deborah) the prom, yes Buddy was my prom date and the time he was kicked by Madonna. Enjoy this lively interview with Buddy Casimano and don’t forget Every Body Needs Some Buddy!

Christine – Buddy you started off as a gymnast how did you become a dancer?

Buddy – I got injured.  I was training really really hard thinking Olympics one day.  I was about 15 and I injured my forearm, tore all the ligaments and was told to take a year off and then come back.  It was just too much to take the year at that time.  I was growing so I wondered what the next best thing was.  I went to my sisters dance recital and I saw her in a show and they did Thriller and I thought “I can do that”.  And that was it.  I loved it!  I thought “sign me up!”  I joined a dance class the next day.

Christine – You’ve been on Broadway, you’ve been in films, and you have choreographed great entertainers.  What has been your greatest experience in your dancing career?

Buddy – There’s a couple, Radio City Music Hall was a huge one.

Christine – What did you do at Radio City Music Hall?

Buddy – Performed with Deborah Gibson…you were there.  I remember coming up the staircase and the lights hit and I turned around and just that sight was the greatest thing that ever happened.  That was amazing for me.  Madison Square Garden was another moment.  I thought to myself holy crap I’m at Madison Square Garden, I can’t get over this!  Choreographically I think I had a couple of really great moments.  I choreographed Debbie Gibson’s tour; The Anything is Possible.  The One Step Ahead Tour, that was a big to do.  We rehearsed out in LA and we had auditions all over the country for dancers, it was a big deal.  That was my really my first huge job, people were going to see my choreography around the world.  The other greatest moment of my career was the night I took my first bow on Broadway.  It was at The Broadway Theatre… it was truly the highlight of my life thus far.

Christine – You are the Director of Dance for Deborah Gibson’s Camp Electric Youth? Tell us about Camp Electric Youth and how is Deborah doing?

Buddy – Deborah is doing very well actually.  She’s working on some new stuff so be prepared for that.  I’m still involved with working with her when we can we get together.  If I’m not doing something we get together still…I choreograph still a little bit with her.  Camp Electric Youth – I’ve been teaching kids dance now for almost 20 years.  Throughout my performance career, I’ve also toured the country and all around the world teaching.  So because of that she started doing this camp and she called me and said I know you teach kids, do you think you can be involved in this?  I signed on to the first year and it was so great!  It was so much fun and such a success and my dance classes went over so big that she asked if I could be the Director of Dance and create all the movement’s and dances.  So now I’m in charge of the dance program at her camps in New York and Los Angeles.  Twice a year, it’s for kids in the performing arts community that are really serious about it.  The teachers are all Broadway teachers, plus film and casting agents come by.  The kids get great exposure.  It’s another really great way to give back.

Christine- It says on your website you were kicked in the face by Madonna…what the hell happened?

Buddy – She kicked me in the face and Sandy Duncan broke my nose.  I was at Madonna’s final call back for her Truth or Dare tour.  There were 20 guys left for the tour.  I think she took 10.  I was in the room and I had gotten flown in for the final audition because I was on tour with Debbie and missed the original audition, so they flew me in.  I was new to all of it and I didn’t know the choreography so all the dancers that were there already had already learned a bunch of the stuff.  So she says “Ok you.”  She was always evil.  I loved her even more for it but she was evil.  She says “you sit down and watch”.  So I sat and watched.  They did “Hanky Panky” and it was before anyone knew it.  The music wasn’t released yet.  So she’s asked “Do you know it?” I had watched it once.  I said “yes I know it”.  I jumped up and I stood next to her and we danced it in the mirror and she went the wrong way on one step and kicked me!  I didn’t go the wrong way she did!  Then we did again and she did it again on purpose.  And guess what…I got cut!

Years later we went to a Vanilla Ice concert together and she apologized.

Christine – Are you kidding?

Buddy – Nope! She remembered me.  I was with Deborah and Charles Kopelman, we went to the Vanilla Ice concert.  She was with Carlos Leon I was with Deborah and Charles.  It was like a row of Pop Music Icons and me.  It was LOUD.  Charles introduced Deborah to Madonna and it was their first time meeting, and then he says and this is her dancer Buddy.  Madonna says “I remember Buddy” and she says “I apologize for my behavior” Deborah asks what was that about?  I told her I’ll tell you later.

Christine –How did Sandy Duncan break your nose?

Buddy – We were rehearsing the show two weeks prior to her getting in.  In rehearsal she had a stand in. So we had a lift at the end of the opening number it was huge. Jerry Mitchell choreographed, he’s now a big Broadway Producer/Choreographer.  He had me flipping all over the place and I had to, at the end, come in and flip and we pressed Sandy into a Cheerleading lift.  I was supposed to pop her up and catch her in a basket toss. I rehearsed it with her stand it so we were doing it the whole time and then when she got there she did it the first time and she came down with her elbows and BAM right in my nose!  Cracked my nose in half, there was blood all over the place.  I didn’t miss a beat, I didn’t miss an hour of rehearsal not a minute.

There was a Christmas Show in Chicago and they did secret Santa, and I got Sandy as my secret Santa.  I went to the doctor and got my x-ray, and I framed my x-ray and I wrote on the outside ‘Dear Sandy, Thanks for the Big Break’. She has it in her house.  Still to this day she tells me it’s still there on the mantle.

Christine – You now have a DVD called Buddy’s Broadway Body Absolutely Fierce Abs!  What made you want to make a fitness video?

Buddy – Truthfully it was because people kept asking.  It was an idea I had a while ago.  I’ve been working out for forever and its part of my normal routine.  After I got off Broadway I started teaching in gyms and I developed a following and before you knew it I’m all over Long Island with these gyms! If people missed my class or I couldn’t make an audition they’d say ‘Why don’t you do a DVD’.  So after the 10^th time I said ok I’ll do a DVD.  It’s grass roots, it’s my 25 -minute abs class.  You can do some of it at one point you can do some of it later.  You can do half of it during the week, half of it at the end of the week however you want to break it up.  It’s my arsenal of my exercises on film for you to decide how you want to do it.

Christine – How does one get a body like Buddy? What is your best advice for those looking to lose weight?

Buddy – I just say do the work! Put the work in.  Whatever it is that you like to do, do it and make yourself sweat.  I believe in sweating at least once a day, that’s a big thing of mine.  If you don’t sweat it don’t count.  Find that something that works for you.  If you don’t like that class take another class or try a workout.  Whatever it is move your body!  As far as moving weight, the key to losing weight is there’s no key to losing weight.  I really think it’s all about keeping your body fueled.  You have to eat the right stuff and eat more than 3 times a day.  That 3 times a day thing I don’t know why that was drilled in our head. Even to get through a day of work, every 2 or 3 hours fill yourself with something good.  It’s speeds up your metabolism, the more you eat.  Not shit…if your eating crappy food guess what…you’re going to feel crappy.  It’s like a car, if you put great fuel in it and you take care of it and use all the right stuff that supposed to go into it, I don’t know anything about a car but I know you’re suppose to take good care of that engine.  So if you take good care of your engine it’s going to treat you right.

Christine – When you’re not dancing and working out what do you like to do?

Buddy – I like to dance.  When I really have the time I like to go out and dance.  I want the DJ to be good so that I can dance all night.  I also like to cook.  Cooking relaxes me.  Many people get stressed out by it. Love the preparation and love to serve it to people and see their reaction.  I do a great chicken rollatini with spinach and of course low fat mozzarella cheese.  I don’t fry it I bake it, and I can make a mean Red Velvet Cake and the Cupcakes are the best.

Christine – What’s next for Buddy?

Buddy – Well, now that this one is in the can, I’m hoping to get the next one done.  The next series I’m hoping will be a cardio-dance series.  Dance is what I do.  People love that class.

 

Click the photo to visit Buddy’s Website!

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Two Fan Announcements!

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you all know two fun things that are happening this week with our gal Deb that involve YOU! This Monday, October 26th at 7pm PST, Deborah will be my guest on my internet radio show, The Baub Show! It’s a weekly chat show where we look back on career highlights and future projects and features live fan interaction. Not only can fans call in, there is a live chat room during the show, so you can ask questions and participate in the interview. For more information, visit TheBaubShow.com and if you would like to submit questions in advance, you can send them to thebaubshow@gmail.com

Also, as many of you know, Deborah will be hosting Tao’s HallowEighties this coming Thursday in Las Vegas! I have just received a note from the promoter that they would like to offer a block of tickets for Deborah’s fans that will include guaranteed free admission. These tickets are limited in availability and I will create the list on a first come, first served basis. To have your name added to the comp list for Tao this Thursday, please email me with your name and your guest’s name to DeborahGDotcom@gmail.com. You will receive an email confirmation from me if your name is one of the lucky few chosen! Entries for the list will be closed this Wednesday at midnight Pacific Time.

Winners/Attendee Information:

• Attendees must adhere to TAO Nightclubs door policies
• Attendees must be 21+ with valid, government issued photo identification (no exceptions).
• Costumes are encouraged however due to strict security policies no face masks, face paint, or weapons (fake or real) permitted.
• At TAO guests must check in at the TAO Guestlist and we advise those attending to arrive before 11:30pm
• Any additional questions can be directed to the TAO / LAVO marketing office at 702 388 8588 , including VIP table requests and information

Deborah and Rutledge backstage with Rob Thomas

Deborah and Rutledge at No Kidding, Me Too! Premiere in NY

photos courtesy of www.jhoch.com

Singing with Neil Patrick Harris

Hey all! Just did an amazing benefit for Project Angel Food and was re-united with my Cabaret co-star (and toast of all of Hollywood these days!) Neil Patrick Harris! We did a duet of “Little Fall of Rain” from Les Miz and he ragged on me for shouting “one more time!” in rhythm during “Only in My Dreams”. Funnnnny….. Love him! My fave of the nite was new talent Lara Johnston, daughter of Tom Johnston. She has a voice that rivals Xtina A and is adorable and humble! Love her!

I performed the song “The Rose” because A) It is one of the most beautifully written universal songs ever. B) It is so understated and relaxed which are two things that petrify me! So, I’m challenging myself in new ways! I’d say it went so-so…. I was definitely in the moment and raw though! I couldn’t rely on my slick theater girl tricks! Again, challenging….!

More to come but, wanted to say “hey” to all of you and give you a little update!

Also – hope to see you all at Tao in Vegas! It’s gonna be a blaaaast!

X Deb

Photos from 5th Annual inConcert

Deborah Gibson @ 5th Annual inCONCERT to Benefit Project Angel Food in Hollywood 10/17/09.

Song Styling & Interpretation Intensive with Deborah Gibson and Howard Fine

ELECTRIC TRUTH: DEBBIE GIBSON TO CONQUER AMERICA AGAIN

11:39 am, October 14th, 2009

Talk about “Out of the Blue!”

Gossip Cop just confirmed the news that Debbie Gibson is going the reality show route. (So it wasn’t“Only in My Dreams.”)

The Eighties pop star recently shot a TV pilot for Endemol, the people who’ve brought us such shows as “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Deal or No Deal.”

According to our solid source, the as-yet untitled series — produced by the team behind “The Osbournes” and “Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica” — will focus on Gibson working on her first studio album in nearly a decade. Already parts of the pilot were shot in New York, where the cameras followed her into a meeting with Warner Bros. execs and through the Times Square area, where she starred in a bunch of Broadway musicals including “Beauty and the Beast.”

While the show will also touch on Gibson’s recent 20–pound weight loss and her relationships with her mom/manager Diane and beau Dr. Rutledge Taylor, “the main focus will be Deborah’s musical journey and re-invention,” says the source, who adds there’s “drama” over whether she’ll go back to “Debbie,” the name she went by at the height of her fame.

While we were hoping Gibson would follow the reality model perfected by fellow Eighties starsFlavor Flav (”Flavor of Love”) and Bret Michaels (”Rock of Love”), we’ll take what we can get.

SOURCE

Live in Las Vegas: Halloweighties with Debbie Gibson

A day in New York

Deborah is in New York today and judging by these photos, having a great time!

Out front of Sardis working on her reality project.

Deb with her Sardis photo

Deb and the Naked Cowboy in Times Square

Carried away!

With Tommy Page, yes that Tommy Page, now VP of Top 40 Radio Promotion at Reprise Records

The Electric Scoop! Q&A With Deborah Gibson

Posted by: Hope on August 25th, 2009

Photo Credit: Ray Garcia

Debbie Gibson. Just to hear that name will bring back fond memories. I was introduced to her music at the tender age of 8. She was the first concert I attended, first record I received, first female celebrity I idolized, even my first bottle of perfume. Many of us here at EGS were fans. We bought black fedoras. We wore her image on our hats, shirts, buttons and walls. Hell, we wanted to BE her. As we grew, so did the career of Debbie (or currently known as) Deborah Gibson. Even now, those ladies who are not fans of her brand of pop music, or that did not want to smell like Electric Youth, can find a way to appreciate her achievements to the music world.  To this day, she holds the record for being the youngest female artist ever to write, produce, and perform a Billboard # 1 single.

While some may have thought that Deborah had dropped off the radar, it couldn’t be further from the truth. When she was not strutting her stuff on the London stage, she was doing everything from reality television appearances, philanthropy work, the club tour circuit, filming a full length feature and don’t miss her Burger King commercial. While I secretly hid my disappointment with Debbie’s recent radio silence, you can imagine my thrill to learn about MegaShark Vs. Giant Octopus. Released May 2009, the straight to DVD flick stars Deborah, and a giant CGI shark. Destined to be cult classic, the film will undeniably gain her a whole new fan base (in addition to her now aging female fans, and always loyal homosexual men). Gibson’s Oceanographer Emma MacNeil finds herself solving the predicament of how to catch Megalodon … while boning in a closet. This will surely attract the prepubescent nerd boys likely to write fan fiction about her character.

Whatever your reasons for being intrigued by her, Debbie is back. Just check out her answers to our inquiries. She opens up about getting naked, her continued support of NKOTB and her modifiable moniker. And while she did skirt the issue of what MegaShark himself was like on set, we are more than thrilled that she was able to take the time to give us her insight:

Photo Credit: Olivier Henry

EGS - What was Megashark like on set?

DG – It was good fun! I was aware that it was going to be low budget, fast, and kitchy! Everyone was relaxed and laid back and having a great time! Having fun is a priority in my life!

EGS - That movie certainly isn’t up for any Golden Globes. In fact the sea of critics did not love any of you back. How does it feel to be in a movie that is critically repulsed, but easily on the way to becoming a cult classic?

DG –  I don’t read a lot of press good or bad but – if a critic had a problem with the film then, so be it! It is what it is and makes no apologies for it! I love doing unique pop culture projects! It’s a half a year after release and I still have a full interview schedule for this film. It’s funny to me and I’m enjoying it!

EGS – What made you decide to pose in Playboy?

DG – I said “no” a number of times. I wasn’t comfortable with who I was and thought I’d never do it. I was 34 yrs old and the world and I had changed and it didn’t seem like such a big deal. It felt fun and creative and I also was well aware I was playing with people’s perception of me and breaking my own rules which was cool! I was thrilled with how it came out! I love Hef and that whole organization. They are so professional and great to work with!

EGS – You do a lot of work supporting Gay Pride. How did you come to be such a big idol for the gay community?

DG – The gay community supported me from the time my 1st single “Only in My Dreams” came out. I would play 3 clubs a night, 4 nights a week to promote that song. I’d end every night at the gay club! That audience was always my favorite. The love affair began there and continued through my theater work and has always been mutual!

EGS – What made you drop Debbie?

DG - She’s still here! (Ha!). Friends and family always called me Deborah. I actually dropped “Deborah” and went with “Debbie” which was very much a stage name. It is more relatable in pop music though, so I may confuse people further and go back to it!

EGS – I recently heard about the trend of pregnant women painting their bellies. Do you think your famous painted knee inspired this trend?

DG – Ha! Doubtful but, thanx!

EGS – What future projects do you have lined up?

DG – My main focus right now is my new music. But, there are other things brewing….. Also, doing work musically with kids through my “Electric Youth” camps and intensives and my foundation Gibson Girl Foundation have become passions of mine!

EGS – What is it like being on stage in London? Did musicals come easily for you because of training as an actress, or did the musicals lead into your wanting to do movies?

DG – I was JUST talking about how amazing my West End experience in Grease was today! It was top notch and the people in the show are lifelong friends! To me, performing is everything all the time – you act every time you deliver a song….it is all intertwined.

EGS – What music are you listening to these days? What inspires you?

DG – Jason Mraz, New Kids last album – it’s amazing, Black Eyed Peas…. Everything old and new inspires me. And, lately, taking some downtime inspires me because I’ve always been “go go go” and it’s hard for ideas and music to flow when you’re too busy.

EGS -  Every girl’s secret is…

DG – ….. a secret, even to her!

SOURCE

Photo Flashbacks

New personalized glossy available in the store

Click here to purchase a brand new 8×10 glossy that you can have personalized by Deborah herself.

Deb at What A Pair!

Deborah Gibson at What a Pair! The seventh annual celebrity concert to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California on September 26, 2009.

Photo attached via WENN.com

InConcert

Deborah answers 7 questions with Ali on the Go!

Click here to view.

Photo Flashback: Deb and Brad Pitt

I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours!

I was cleaning out boxes over the weekend and I came across the following two photos. At first I was horrified… then I had a good laugh and now I find myself sharing them with you, Deb’s most loyal fans! It got me thinking, I couldn’t have been the only one out there with photos like this… so I thought it would be fun to have a little contest! Between now and September 14th, send me your best (or most likely worst) retro photo that is somehow related to Deborah (for example, as I am mid-Electric Youth dance, you can see her performing in the background on the TV). I will post them all right here on the site and I will have Deborah choose the winner (it will be based on the spirit of most fun). I’m thinking an autographed headshot from Deborah would make a good prize? Whaddya think? Start digging through your boxes and now and email me the photo (or a link to the photo) to teamdeborahgibson@gmail.com with the subject: My Best Retro Photo. Have fun!