It has been a very longtime since I revisited LEGALLY BLONDE. I personally think the show is adorable and very entertaining. It was the third time I have seen it and the more I see it, the more I love it.
I know a lot of the critics don't love the show but I have a confession. I LOVE IT! I love the music. I love the wigs and I love the fabulous dance numbers.
Some of my favorite numbers:
BEND AND SNAP.
OMG OMG YOU GUYS
Whipped Into Shape
And if you're a dog lover this show pulls at your heart. It is not deep theater but I find it very entertaining and put me in the greatest mood.
Snap snap and clap clap. As a dog lover I adore both of the adorable dogs in the show. You can also check out an interview (Video interview) that I did at the Drama Desk Nominations party last season by going to: http://www.timessquare.com. Go to the theater section and look for the video archives. I interviewed Laura Bell Bundy and Andy Karl. It was a lot of fun.
Tonight, on my way to another show, I ran into Richard H. Blake in Starbucks. I also ran into Rusty Mowery another giant in theater dancing. Both are such sweet people and make Legally Blonde a joy to watch.
A very enjoyable visit. Hoping LEGALLY BLONDE will have a long run on Broadway.
The Baker’s Wife (book by Joseph Stein, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) will feature: Reneé Elise Goldsberry (Nettie, original cast of The Color Purple, The Lion King) in the title role, Genevieve, as well Rick Crom (Urinetown) and Betsy DiLellio (The Light in the Piazza, National Tour) who join the previously announced: Lenny Wolpe (The Drowsy Chaperone) as Aimable, the Baker, Max Von Essen (Les Miserables, Dance of the Vampires) as Dominique, Kevin Cahoon (The Wedding Singer, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as the Priest, and Gay Marshall (Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris) as Denise. The cast also includes: Wendi Bergamini (The Light in the Piazza, National Tour), Jacque Carnahan (Pirates of Penzance, Goodspeed Opera), Joy Franz (Into the Woods, Pippin), Laurent Giroux (Pippin, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Mitchell Greenberg (York’s Fermat’s Last Tango, Laughter on the 23rd Floor), Michael Medeiros (Violet, Playwrights Horizons), John O’Creagh (The Field, Irish Repertory Theatre), Richard Pruitt (Batboy the Musical, 42nd Street), Maureen Silliman (Shenandoah, Is There Life After High School?), and Clinton Zugel (The Goat, or who is Sylvia?, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis).
The Baker’s Wife will be directed by Gordon Greenberg who directed this show at The Paper Mill Playhouse in 2005. He also directed the recent Pirates! at The Paper Mill as well as Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris off Broadway.
Mark Hartman (Avenue Q, York’s Bajour) is the Music Director.The Baker’s Wife, with book by Joseph Stein and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is based on the film “La Femme de Boulanger” by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono.
The Baker’s Wife is a love story set in the French town of Concorde, where the people have been without a baker for six weeks and are filled with anticipation at the arrival of master baker Aimable Castagnie. The baker and his wife arrive, but when Aimable’s wife runs off with a young villager, Aimable cannot accept the truth. At first the villagers make fun of the baker’s situation until his goodness forces them to open their hearts and try to help him.The show has a long history.
The musical theater rights of the 1932 film were originally optioned by producers Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin, and the show was to be written by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows. This production never happened, but the idea came up again in the 70’s when David Merrick brought on Schwartz and Stein to write it and Zero Mostel was set to star. The show began an out of town tryout on May 11, 1976 in Los Angeles but with Topol as Aimable. The show went through major changes, including the replacement of Topol with Paul Sorvino, but the Broadway booking was canceled. A cast recording helped make the show known and in 1985, a revised Baker’s Wife was presented in a full production at The York, starring Jack Weston, and directed by Stephen Schwartz.
The Baker's Wife- A Joe Stein Treasure! Photos by Maryann Lopinto.
On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending Joe Stein's The Baker's Wife. I adored almost everything about this concert. I hope they will bring it to Broadway or even Off Broadway as it was a very enjoyable show. Sadly, I had never seen it before so I can't compare it to full productions but this cast was sensational.
Standouts: Max Von Essen and Renee' Elise Goldsberry with voices to die for. The chemistry between them was steam heat! Kevin Cahoon turned his small role as the Priest into a hilarious standout as did Rick Crom(known for URINETOWN)
The York does such a wonderful job with these productions. I should have photo coverage of the show as well as the talkback in the next day or so. So, please check back.
The true standout of the evening was Max Von Essen's niece, who was sitting in front of me. She was so proud of her Uncle and watching her pride about him was the most heartwarming thing I have seen in years. I talked to her in the intermission and she is adorable. She lit up the room when she was watching the show and her Uncle. It was adorable and made me melt!
Max Von Essen's niece will be the next big star on Broadway.(In 10 years) She told me in the intermission that she sings.
Check Out This Video Of Me Interviewing Julie Halston and Ryan Duncan!
Who will be appearing in The Baker’s Wife at The York Theater this weekend. Tickets are still available for Saturday but Friday and Sunday are sold out.
To get tickets: Box Office: (212) 935-5820.
Photo of Kevin as George in The Wedding Singer by Joan Marcus.
Singer, songwriter, actor Kevin Cahoon and his band Ghetto Cowboy have become one of the most buzzed about new music events in New York City's downtown music scene, having played packed shows in such venues as Irving Plaza, CBGB's, Don Hill's, Ars Nova, Joe's Pub, among others. Their debut album 'Doll' has received The Outmusic Award for Best Male Debut Recording, The Pabst Blue Ribbon NYC Band Search Award, and Honorable Mention from Billboard Magazine for it's Songwriting. Their videos for their songs 'Doll' and 'Fashionista' can be seen in rotation on LOGO.
As an actor, Kevin has appeared on Broadway in 'The Who's Tommy', Ed the hyena in the Original Cast of 'The Lion King', 'The Rocky Horror Show', The Child catcher in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', and George in 'The Wedding Singer'. Off-Broadway credits include the role of Phil D'Armano in Manhattan Theatre Clubs' production of 'The Wild Party', Hedwig in 'Hedwig and The Angry Inch, and Ellard in The Roundabout Theatre's production of 'The Foreigner' for which he received a Lucille Lortel Award Nomination. Numerous regional theatre, television, and film credits include The Guthrie Theatre, Ross Rothman on ABC's 'Six Degrees', and Woody Allen's 'The Curse of the Jade Scorpion'. (From www.kevincahoon.com)
Corine Cohen: Hi,Kevin when did you know you wanted to be a singer/actor?
Kevin Cahoon: I grew up doing it. I did my first commercial at nine. My first professional theater at age 10 and when I was 13 I won Star Search.(Teen) That sort of introduced me to New York and I auditioned for things in New York.
Corine Cohen: WOW! I wish I saw you in that. Where did you grow up?
Kevin: In Houston.
Corine: Hedwig is one of my favorite productions.
Kevin: It has an incredible score! And an incredible story!
Corine: Was that your favorite role?
Kevin: You know, it was the biggest challenge and I was 27, I guess at the time. I had left Lion King.
Corine: You don’t look like you are older than 27 now!
Kevin: Well, thanks!! I’m not. (Laughs) I was in Lion King and I went on my night off to see Hedwig. And I auditioned and left the Lion King to go and do that.
Corine: You should have done the movie!
Kevin: I would have loved to have been. I know it was a lot of Canadian actors because they shot it in Canada!
I did it in New York and then I opened the Boston company and than back in New York. While, I was rehearsing The Wild Party during the day and then would do Hedwig at night.
Corine: I thought I saw you in that!
Kevin: At MTC. And then I did the Edinburgh Festival.
Corine: Wow.
Kevin: And then I opened in San Francisco and it kept getting extended so I was there for 8 months. So I had a little journey with Hedwig.
Corine: So, it was the most challenging role? What would you say was your favorite role?
Kevin: It would have to be Hedwig or Ellard in the Foreigner at the Roundabout Theater Company. With Matthew Broderick and Frances Sternhagen. It was not a musical it was a play. I am endeared to both of those characters. I love both shows. They have such heart. A huge, huge heart! You have Hedwig who has sacrificed everything for freedom and love and then you have Ellard who is just dying for attention and love and Ellard blossoms and Hedwig does too, moving forward at the end.
Corine: Tell me about The Wedding Singer! I was dying to interview you when you were in The Wedding Singer!
Kevin: I loved doing Wedding Singer! It was fun to play George.
Corine: Tell me about your band Ghetto Cowboy!
Kevin: We have one CD that was released Nationwide called
DOLL. It was great, we had such great distribution and such great press. I love playing the live shows at Joe’s Pub, The Ars Nova and all those great venues.
Corine: Tell me about Rocky Horror! Do you relate to Franknfurter?
Kevin: The great thing about Rocky Horror is you have the liberty to go with anything that comes your way. With Rocky Horror it is really anything goes! And there is an element of danger with it.
Corine: I saw you in the recent benefit. I loved the costumes that MP did for the show.
Kevin: They were great. We put that show together in a day so…
Corine: You didn’t look it. You were so fantastic in the role. I wish I had seen you in the role on Broadway. Did you ever get a Drama Desk Award?
Kevin: No. I did get a Lortel nomination for the Foreigner. And then I did Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Corine: I saw you in that. It was my nephew's first Broadway show and he loved it!
Kevin: Was he scared?
Corine: He was three years old. He was. But he loved it. He loves the bad guys and wanted to get you. It was so hysterical. You were really scary in that. The make up and costume was really frightening. Was it fun?
Kevin: It was a blast! That company was so wonderful.
Corine: How was it working with Raul Esparza?
Kevin: We have worked twice now. We did Rocky Horror and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He’s great! Oh man, he is so talented.
Corine: You had a fun part.
Kevin: I got to fly out at the end. It was a pretty cake part. I loved it!
Corine: But Hedwig and Ellard were your favorite parts.
Kevin: Yeah. I really related to them the most. Also, I had never done a play in New York before. I always wanted to work with Roundabout so it was really cool.
Hedwig is like Hamlet for musical theater actors on so many levels. I can do Hedwig for five years and I am still learning something. I can do Hedwig, FOREVER!
Corine: I really loved you in the Wedding Singer.
Kevin: Thanks! I related to George too. He is like a unicorn.There is only one of him in his town.
Corine: I heard they were bringing it to Broadway.
Kevin: There are always rumors but nothing has come to fruition yet.
Corine: Would you want them to bring it to Broadway and you could star in the show?
Kevin: Oh my g-d. That would be incredible!!!
Corine: So do you want this message to go out to producers all over the World to bring Hedwig to Broadway? And cast you as Hedwig?
Kevin: I am sure John would want to do it. But I would love to do it!
Corine: Well, maybe he could do it four times a week and you could do it four times a week. I heard you were the only one who did it 8 times a week.
Kevin: I was. Usually you do six. It’s a punk rock score and it is very tough on the voice. You are doing everything. I did 8 for a month because there was no one to do it. There was no cover that was ready to go.
Corine: So, if I had a magic wand and could give you three wishes what would those wishes be? What roles would you play? Whatever three wishes you want.
Kevin: I just want to keep playing interesting people. That’s the key, I think! It doesn’t matter where; as long as it is interesting. This isn’t a strategic thing. I always think how can this character be a voice for people who don’t have a voice. And my CD is for people that normally don’t have a voice.
Corine: Do you have any other CD’S coming out?
Kevin: It took a long time to get it accomplished. It takes time so no not at the moment.
Corine: Did you write the music.
Kevin: I did.
Corine: I was listening to it on your website. Http://www.kevincahoon.com. I really love your voice!
Kevin: Oh, thanks! Thank you so much.
Corine: Where did you go to school?
Kevin: I studied at Circle In The Square and NYU. I loved my teachers. I also learned from my peers. You learn so much by watching. By being creative and staying open. Following impulses, that is the key.
Corine: What do you think of the current musicals running on Broadway? What did you think of Avenue Q?
Kevin: I loved Avenue Q.
Corine: Would you ever want to do something like that?
Kevin: Sure. I did Lion King. So I worked with puppets.
Corine: Did you enjoy doing the Lion King?
Kevin: I loved it. To be part of all that. To be part of the original cast over ten years ago.
Kevin will be starring in The Baker’s Wife this weekend at The York Theater. Catch him Friday- Sunday and you can also buy his CD on his website.
Thanks for doing the interview, Kevin. It was a pleasure meeting you. I am looking forward to seeing you on Broadway in the near future.
LADIES NIGHT OUT ON BROADWAY- AT SPOTLIGHT ON BROADWAY!
Marian Seldes(Broadway's Treasure and Kate Shindle)
Mary Testa, Jackie Hoffman (Xanadu) OMG OMG YOU GUYS, Tonight was Ladies Night and it was a blast.
I chatted with Marian Seldes who is always so sweet. She was raving about how wonderful it was to work with all of her co workers on and off broadway. She is such a gracious and elegant soul. I love her. She is a sweet lady. Everyone loves Marian.
I also spoke with the gracious and beautiful Kate Shindle about Legally Blonde. I told her I loved her hair in Legally Blonde and she told me it was a wig. She told me all of the women in LEGALLY BLONDE WEAR WIGS. I want to see myself in Kate Shindle's fabulous wig. It's fabu. Take notes, kids. I want it for Halloween.
Ladies Night on Broadway was a fantastic event. Spotlight is an amazing space for a party. I want to have my Drama Desk event there for the pre party. It is very inviting and very engaging. Stay tuned for photo coverage as well as video coverage of this very exciting evening.
I was bidding on the HAIRSPRAY BOOT but it got out of my price range, sadly. I did donate $20 to the lottery. I tried to win an incredible cd collection but lost. (sucks to be C) Though the $20 went to help Breast cancer so it was a great cause.
More later. Photo coverage by Richard Pearlman. More photo coverage coming soon.
Photo by Ben Strothmann Mitch Greenberg and Kevin Cahoon
Hi, Yesterday afternoon I sat with Kevin Cahoon (Hedwig, Rocky Horror, The Wedding Singer, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)who will be starring as the Priest this weekend in the Baker's Wife by Stephen Schwartz and Joe Stein at the York Theater Company.
Kevin always plays unique characters and sat down with me yesterday for an in person interview. It was wonderful to meet him as I have wanted to interview him for years. His performances have always been sensational. Spending time with him yesterday was a hoot as he is one of the nicest people I have ever interviewed.
The interview will be up tomorrow but in the meantime you should buy tickets to The Baker's Wife:
Photos of Ladies Night On Broadway: Richard Pearlman (I personally wish they would bring the men in towels from THE RITZ to this event but what can I say)
Broadway personalities Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa from the hit Broadway show, Xanadu, will host Ladies Night Out On Broadway at a very special free party at Spotlight Live from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Women who purchase a ticket to a participating show are encouraged to come to the event that will host a variety of activities including a Women-in-Theatre panel, Broadway karaoke, give-aways and raffles. As a part of the raffle, shuzsociety.com, an online magazine and networking site for shoe lovers, will raffle one-of-a-kind Broadway Boots decorated by a representative from each participating show. All proceeds will be donated to the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative of The Actors Fund.
Participating Shows Twelve Broadway shows are participating in Ladies Night Out including A Chorus Line, The Color Purple, Curtains, Hairspray, Legally Blonde the Musical, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Phantom of the Opera, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Xanadu. Two Off Broadway shows are participating: The Fantasticks and Stomp.
Participating women can also get special offers for after-show drinks and dessert at Times Square bars and restaurants. Go to www.LadiesNightOutOnBroadway.com for more information.
Date: Monday, October 29, 2007 Time: 6 PM – 9:30 PM Place: National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, Manhattan The Theatre Museum will present its 2007 Awards for Excellence to actress Ellen Burstyn, actor/dancer/choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, New York Times drama critic Ben Brantley and Arts Horizons at a ceremony on Monday, October 29, 6 – 9:30 PM, at The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, in Manhattan.
Actor Paul Sorvino will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Ms. Burstyn, a Tony and Academy Award winning star of stage, film and television, who was the first woman to be elected president of Actor’s Equity Association. She served six years as artistic director of the Actors Studio, and continues there as co-president with Al Pacino and Harvey Keitel.
Tony Award winner James Naughton will present The Theatre Museum Award for Excellence in Individual Achievement to Ms. de Lavallade, who is being recognized for her work as a professor at Yale University, director of Adelphi University’s Dance Department and teacher for performing arts groups.
Emmy Award winner Pia Lindstrom will present Arts Horizons, a 29-year-old cultural institution, with the Theatre Museum Award for Excellence as an Organization for assisting 7-million students to develop creativity through artist-in-residence programs with professional performers, interactive live performances and after-school intervention programs featuring therapists.
Ben Brantley, chief theatre critic for The New York Times since 1996 and editor of The New York Times book Broadway: On the Aisle for the Unforgettable Plays of the Last Century, will receive the Award for Theatre Preservation from Stewart F. Lane and Helen Guditis, Chairman and President, respectively, of The Theatre Museum. Jim Dale, winner of Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards, will be joined by Jessica Grove of Thoroughly Modern Mille and Les Miserables performing selections from Busker Alley, a new musical slated for Broadway. Other performers include: Kerry Butler, currently starring in Xanadu; Tovah Feldshuh, star of Yentl, Sarava, and Golda’s Balcony; and James Naughton, star of Chicago and 42nd Street.
Raku sushi's site is currently down. Just a reminder, you can get a great deal at his restaurant if you go in and say: HI. I'm a reader of Corine's Corner and you can get a special reduced price happy hour menu. The menu is valid daily: 5:00- 6:30 9:30- close.
The prices are great and the food is better. Hope you can go! Since the site is down you can find out all the info by going to the Chef Corner section on my site.
I recommend: Shrimp shumai Corine's Corner roll: Shrimp tempura, cucumber and avocado with spicy sauce.
I also adore my own creation: Smoked salmon, spicy sauce and scallions.
Broadway Originals was a very entertaining afternoon but my favorite number was sung by George S. Irving and is called THE BUTLER SONG. It was hysterical and the best part of the show. I also adored, David Miller singing from LA BOHEME. I need to go to Opera more often as I adore it! Stay tuned for photo coverage of all three shows coming soon.
Scott Siegel should be congratulated. He knows how to put together the best talent this city has to offer. All three of his shows were wonderful.
3RD Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival BROADWAY ORIGINALS October 21, 2007 at 3 PM
Created, Written and Hosted by Scott Siegel Director: Dan Foster Musical Director: Fred Barton (5 piece band)
SONG LIST/RUNNING ORDER Broadway Originals
Act 1 Andre deShields SO YOU WANTED TO SEE THE WIZARD THE WIZ Jason Graae HOW DO SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA? GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING Ken Jennings NOT WHILE I’M AROUND SWEENEY TODD Donna Lynne Champlin I’M ALWAYS CHASING RAINBOWS HOLLYWOOD ARMS Anita Gillette THE SECRET SERVICE MR. PRESIDENT OH GEE! JIMMY (quick encore) Karen Mason DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW? MAMMA MIA! Jerry Dixon SOME GIRLS ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Joan Copeland AN OLD MAN TWO BY TWO Barbara Walsh STOP, TIME BIG David Miller (off Mic) CHE GELIDA MANINA LA BOHEME
ACT II Alan Campbell SUNSET BOULEVARD SUNSET BOULEVARD Susan Bigelow JUST A HOUSEWIFE WORKING Brad Oscar HABEN SIE GEHOERT DEUTSCHE BAND? THE PRODUCERS Jill O'Hara I’LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN PROMISES, PROMISES Willy Falk WHY GOD WHY? MISS SAIGON Martin Vidnovic/ Catherine Cox WITH YOU BABY Tania Elg NINE NINE
George S. Irving I'M A-TINGLE, I'M AGLOW GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES THE BUTLER’S SONG SO LONG, 174th ST Martin Vidnovic THERE BUT FOR YOU GO I BRIGADOON
I wanted to thank Chris Difford for granting me the right to post these videos on my site. I love Squeeze and having these on my site make me smile. They are my favorite band of all time. ;-)
Photo by Maryann Lopinto. GOOD MORNING! It is very late and I have just returned from one of the most moving cabaret shows I have ever been blessed to attend.
Betty Buckley's cabaret concert was a brilliant, moving, emotional love fest. She has one of the greatest voices in theater. When she sang theater showtunes she gave me chills.
Her greatest moments: Her Norma Desmond song from Sunset Blvd was my favorite as well as I Could have Danced All Night and her breathtaking Memories.
I could have listened to her all night.
After at the press preview I had a few moments to chat with the stunning diva who had no diva attitude. All I can say is I became a fan.
Her Town Hall concert tonight at 8. For info look at blog below. Photo by Maryann Lopinto
BETTY BUCKLEY NAMED LATEST ARTIST SIGNED TO PLAYBILL RECORDS “Betty Buckley 1967” to be released October 16th, 2007 Special Edition Vinyl LP Available Through Playbill
(October 2, 2007, New York, NY) – Tony Award ® Winner and Broadway legend, Betty Buckley, has become the first female artist signed to Playbill Records, a join-venture partnership with SONY BMG Masterworks Broadway. Buckley’s first CD as a newly signed artist to Playbill is entitled Betty Buckley 1967 and will be released on October 16th, 2007. This will mark Playbill Records’ second studio-album release, following its successful, label-launching record, the self-titled Brian Stokes Mitchell. Buckley’s second album for the label, Quintessence, is slated to release on Valentine’s Day 2008.
Betty Buckley 1967 features this artist’s unique vocal talents at the ripe age of 19, in her very first professional recording and reveals a voice whose beauty is second to none. From the moment the recording begins, one can’t help being uplifted by the joyous sounds of a young woman who was primed to become one of the Great White Way’s most impressive talents of a generation.
This never-before-released recording showcases Buckley in an enormous array and range of songs including a refreshingly upbeat rendition of Bye, Bye Birdie’s One Boy, the classic Gershwin number They Can’t Take That Away From Me, a free-spirited Call Me, and the simplicity of Buckley and a piano in Where is Love? The album was originally recorded and engineered by T Bone Burnett.
“It is truly remarkable to finally see this album be released after forty years. To listen to this recording, I remember a girl who loved to sing for the pure joy of it,” said Betty Buckley.
Philip S. Birsh, President and Publisher of Playbill and Playbill Records President, stated “Betty is an astounding talent. I have seen her perform in theatres filled to capacity and in the intimacy of a recording studio. No matter the setting, the reaction is always the same; those present are moved and mesmerized by the sheer beauty of her voice.”
Richard Jay-Alexander, Executive Producer of Playbill Records, echoes those same sentiments and adds, “I’m so happy we found a queen for our king at Playbill Records.”
Buckley herself is overjoyed by the release of this album after four decades. This album proves that the music and talent featured in “1967” is just as timeless and significant as the person who sang them.
Because Buckley never got to see her first album actually become a record, Playbill is pressing special, limited-edition 12-inch vinyl LPs of “1967” to commemorate the release. This special collector’s item will be available only through PlaybillStore.com (more) 2007 continues to be a landmark year for Buckley. She recently began filming the highly anticipated film from director M. Night Shyamalan entitled “The Happening”. She will make her debut at New York’s Town Hall in a special one-night-only performance on October 20th, 2007. Buckley’s second release on Playbill Records, Quintessence, celebrates Buckley's 17-year working relationship with musical director and pianist Kenny Werner. Backed by a quintet of musicians, Buckley offers original renditions of Amelia, I've Grown Accustomed to His Face, Cry Me a River, No One Is Alone and So Many Stars.
Before landing her first Broadway role on her very first audition, before Cats made her a household name, before it all, there was 1967. This album is simply the prelude to a brilliant and unmatched career.
About Playbill Records: Playbill, the internationally recognized and authoritative publication for theatre, music and the performing arts expanded the reach of its famous yellow and black trademark logo with this newly minted record label in the summer of 2006. Since then, the label has produced a successful, original album and has expanded its trusted “Editors Choice” rating system for a new series of Broadway themed discs culled from the best archival original cast recordings ever produced. The first of its kind entitled “Scene Stealers” was released on April 1st, 2007, and features a 22-year old Buckley in her first role on Broadway in the show 1776.
About SONY BMG Masterworks Broadway: The recent mergers of Sony BMG combined the Sony Classical/Columbia Masterworks and RCA Victor labels, and led to the formation of Masterworks Broadway, which houses one of the most formidable catalogues of cast albums anywhere, with recent titles such as Tony winner Avenue Q, the revival of A Chorus Line, and Grammy-award winners The Producers and Hairspray, as well as the treasured original cast recordings of West Side Story, the original A Chorus Line, the revival of Chicago, and many others. RCA Red Seal, Sony Classical, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, Masterworks Broadway and Masterworks Jazz are labels of SONY BMG Masterworks. For e-mail updates and information regarding RCA Red Seal, Sony Classical, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, Masterworks Broadway and Masterworks Jazz artists, promotions, tours and repertoire, please visit www.sonybmgmasterworks.com.
For more information, please visit www.playbillrecords.com, www.sonybmgmasterworks.com and www.bettybuckley.com
The future audience of Broadway! Rebecca Luker, Karen Ziemba and Michael Presser Playwright A.R.Gurney, Danny Burstein and Rebecca Luker
Roger Bart,Bebe Neuwirth,Michael Presser, Rebecca Luker and Danny Burstein (All Broadway Beacon winners at the Anniversary event) Rebecca Luker and Danny Burstein who won a Broadway Beacon Award Pia Lindstrom Young Frankenstein's Roger Bart Karen Ziemba The one and only Bebe Neuwirth gets the eye by founder Michael Presser! Curtains star: Karen Ziemba Photos by Maryann Lopinto Comments: Corine Cohen
Read below for more details about the 25th Anniversary. To help support this wonderful cause: 212-245-0710.
Photo: Maryann Lopinto Comments: Corine Dana Cohen
Congratulations, Inside Broadway on all of the great work. I was moved by all the wonderful work that is done to bring Broadway to inner city school children. They are the future audiences of Broadway and Inside Broadway is helping them love theater at an early age. You should have seen the kids who were there watching the performers. They were dancing in their seats and brought out the true passion of BROADWAY! Hoping Inside Broadway will continue for 50 more years.
I had the pleasure of attending INSIDE BROADWAY'S 25th Anniversary Benefit. There was a meet and greet with the press where I got to chat with playwright A.R. Gurney who was one of the most charming men I have ever met. Such a pleasure to talk with. We talked about LOVE LETTERS which was a favorite of mine. I also chatted with Danny Burstein who is a very friendly and outgoing individual. I asked him what it was like to work with Beth Leavel and he adores her and said he could not do it without her. We also giggled about the Forbidden Broadway skit. I asked him if he thought the Drowsy number was mean spirited and he didn't think so. He said it was all done in fun.(Hey he said, if she was not in the show we would have more to worry about) I wonder why they left Burstein out of the sketch.
(Press release below)
INSIDE BROADWAY ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT!
BEBE NEUWIRTH, ROGER BART(YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN,) AND BROADWAY COUPLE REBECCA LUKER & DANNY BURSTEIN TO RECEIVE BROADWAY BEACON AWARDS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2007 AT McGRAW-HILL AUDITORIUM, ROCKEFELLER CENTER
PIA LINDSTROM TO HOST CELEBRATION OF ACCLAIMED CHILDRENS THEATER COMPANY
Karen Ziemba (Curtains), Robert Jess Roth (director of Beauty and the Beast) and playwright A.R. Gurney (Love Letters) have joined the list of Broadway stars as presenters at the October 15 Inside Broadway 25th Anniversary Gala Concert.
Inside Broadway, the innovative and acclaimed children’s theater organization founded in 1982 by Michael Presser to create the audiences of tomorrow, will celebrate its Twenty-Fifth Anniversary with a Benefit Concert on Monday October 15, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the McGraw-Hill Building Auditorium, Avenue of the Americas and 49th Street in Rockefeller Center.
Benefit Chairs for the event are Harry Coghlan, President and General Manager, Clear Channel Spectacolor; Joseph Coppotelli, Vice-Chairman, Structuretone; L. Bradford Perkins, Founder, Perkins-Eastman; Catherine Michaelson, Principal, Michaelson Associates and Student Advisor, Harvard Law School; George Stonbely, President, Spectacular Ventures; Joseph Cabrera, Executive Vice-President, Cushman & Wakefield; and David Jaffe, President, HighRise Systems, Inc
The evening, preceded by a 6 PM cocktail reception, will feature TVs Pia Lindstrom as Master of Ceremonies, casts of several Broadway shows in performance (TBA), and the organizations annual Broadway Beacon Awards. These are given to individuals in the theatre industry who have been advocates for increasing the audience for live theatre in New York City, particularly in helping to develop new young audiences for Broadway. This years honorees will include such Tony Award-winning and nominated performers as Bebe Neuwirth star of stage and screen, Roger Bart, star of Broadways upcoming Young Frankenstein, and Broadway couple Rebecca Luker of Mary Poppins and Danny Burstein of The Drowsy Chaperone. Previous Broadway Beacon winners, many of whom have participated in Inside Broadway productions and events, have included Carol Channing, Joel Grey, Tovah Feldshuh, Karen Ziemba, Sutton Foster, and Karen Mason.
In addition, special Beacon awards will be presented by the Board of Directors of Inside Broadway to Michael Presser, the Founder & Executive Director of the organization, for 25 Years of Distinguished Service, and to William G. Tung, a member of the Board of Directors, and a Managing Director of the Rockefeller Group Development Corporation, who has also served Inside Broadway for almost 7 years
Tickets are $350.00, from Inside Broadway, (212) 245-0710, or at insidebroadway@jaffemanagement.com. More information can also be found at www.insidebroadway.org.
The company celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Broadway performance last November at the Winter Garden Theatre, for both school groups and the public, with excerpts from Broadway shows. Guest speakers at the event included Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Shubert Organization Chairman Gerald Schoenfeld and many other officials and theatre artists. The 25th Anniversary Season will continue in the fall with school workshops, a special Creating the Magic, a behind-the-scenes look at a Broadway show and the various careers in theater, and the spring production of the hit Youre A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Inside Broadway began its unique programs in 1982, at the request of Shubert Organization President Bernard Jacobs, by creating the first Broadway student ticket program, for the musical Cats. The organization also created the first educational video showing the behind the scenes at the Winter Garden Theater and created 50 minute versions of hit Broadway shows that travel to schools to introduce young people to musical theatre.
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AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY- SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH AT 8 PM!
Photo by Maryann Lopinto BETTY BUCKLEY TO MAKE HER TOWN HALL SOLO CONCERT DEBUT AS PART OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED 3RD ANNUAL BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL
AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 AT 8PM -
(NEW YORK, NY) Acclaimed actress/singer Betty Buckley makes her Town Hall solo concert debut on Saturday, October 20 at 8pm as part of the Third Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival in AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY. The evening is hosted by Scott Siegel with musical direction by long-time Buckley collaborator Kenny Werner.
Betty Buckley won a Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. She received her second Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a musical for her performance as Hesione in TRIUMPH OF LOVE, and an Olivier Award nomination for her interpretation of Norma Desmond in the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BOULEVARD, which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway.
Her other Broadway credits include 1776, PIPPIN, SONG AND DANCE, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and CARRIE. Off-Broadway credits include Lincoln Center’s ELEGIES, the original NYSF production of EDWIN DROOD, THE EROS TRILOGY and JUNO SWANS. Regional credits include GYPSY, THREEPENNY OPERA, CAMINO REAL and BUFFALO GAL. She starred in the London production of PROMISES, PROMISES.
Her film appearances include her debut in Brian de Palma’s screen version of Stephen King’s CARRIE, Bruce Beresford’s TENDER MERCIES, Roman Polanski’s FRANTIC, Woody Allen’s ANOTHER WOMAN and Lawrence Kasden’s WYATT EARP.
Most recently, Buckley appeared on the 2006 Kennedy Center Honors. She has also starred in the HBO series OZ and as Abby Bradford in the hit series EIGHT IS ENOUGH. She has appeared in the CBS series WITHOUT A TRACE, the NBC series LAW & ORDER: SVU, the FOX series THE JURY and MONK for the USA network. She has received two Emmy Nominations.
Buckley has completed 11 CD’s, among them QUINTESSENCE to be released in 2008 and the Grammy Nominated STARS AND THE MOON, BETTY BUCKLEY LIVE AT THE DONMAR. Ms. Buckley’s latest, BETTY BUCKLEY 1967, is set for release on October 16, from Playbill Records.
For over thirty years Ms. Buckley has been a teacher of scene study and song interpretation, giving workshops in Manhattan and various universities and performing arts conservatories around the country. She has been a faculty member in the theatre department of the University of Texas at Arlington, the Terry Schreiber Acting School in New York City and the Casa Manana Theatre in Fort Worth, TX.
In March of 2007, Ms. Buckley was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in Austin.
http://www.bettybuckley.com
The 3rd Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival kicks-off at The Town Hall on Friday, October 19 at 8pm with A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, hosted by Scott Siegel. The festival culminates on Sunday, October 21 at 3 PM with BROADWAY ORIGINALS starring such famous Broadway names as Anita Gillette (Mr. President), Alan Campbell (Sunset Blvd.), Martin Vidnovic (Brigadoon), Brad Oscar (The Producers), George S. Irving (Irene), and a total of about twenty great stars recreating the songs they performed in their original cast productions.
Built in 1921 by a group of suffragettes, The Town Hall began as a lecture hall and public forum for debates. Over the decades, the stage has been graced by Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, Billie Holiday, Igor Stravinsky, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis. Today the hall flourishes as a popular, affordable venue, boasting the hottest acts in rock, pop, folk, cabaret, world music, comedy and dance, including Billy Joel, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, Liza Minnelli, Cyndi Lauper, Norah Jones, Andre Watts, Henry Rollins, Joe Jackson, Pink Martini, Regina Spector, Brian Adams, Aimee Mann and Dawn Upshaw. For over a decade, The Town Hall has hosted live broadcasts of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. Over the past two-and-a-half decades, The Town Hall has produced a number of new and critically acclaimed musical series, which include The Century of Change, Not Just Jazz, Broadway By The Year and The Broadway Cabaret Festival.
In The Town Hall tradition as The People’s Concert Hall, tickets are available at $50 for this all-star weekend through TicketMaster, 212-307-4100, or www.ticketmaster.com, or by visiting the Town Hall Box Office between noon and 6 PM (except Sundays) at 123 West 43rd Street, 212-840-2824 or visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org.
Photo by Maryann Lopinto. It has been a very longtime since I attended Seth's Chatterbox. I decided to cover it tonight because this Saturday, the talented Betty Buckley will sing at Town Hall. If you have not heard this weekend is the Broadway Cabaret Festival which takes place tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday is a tribute to legend SCHWARTZ. Saturday is a concert of only Betty Buckley. I am looking forward to seeing Betty sing. She is a legend and if you are lucky to attend you can buy her new CD.
Seth asked many good questions and got Betty to dish the dirt. You can't handle it but it was AHMAZING. Check out Seth next week with a new diva which is yet to be announced.
PS You can currently catch Seth 8 times a week in the sexy Roundabout show THE RITZ at Studio 54th. Seth wrote Googie's funny musical number which was so hysterical I almost broke a body part. Let's give Seth a hand. (See the second act to understand this joke)
Last evening, I attended the American Airlines Theatre for PYGMALION. The acting, sets and costumes were outstanding in everyway.
1. Jefferson Mays, was hilarious as Henry Higgins and made the character his own.(I never knew Henry Higgins was a slob who ate sugar cubes, put cookies in his pockets, etc) I had second row seats which let me see every expression and funny thing he did. He had me on the tip of my chair. I believe Mr Mays will get many nominations for this role. At least I hope he does because, he gave an incredible performance.
2.Claire Danes proved that she belongs on the Broadway or Off Broadway stage. She was outstanding as Eliza Doolittle and she gave an impressive performance.
I also adored the campy RITZ at Studio 54. What I love about Roundabout is the varied shows they are producing. One very campy show and one classic play.
I am looking forward to what is coming next. I do recommend both plays and hope you will see them.
For tickets to Roundabout shows and to subscribe: Call 212-719-1300 for tickets. http://www.roundabouttheatre.org
FINAL SHOW IN JOSEPH STEIN “MUSICALS IN MUFTI SERIES”
RENEÉ ELISE GOLDSBERRY JOINS
MAX VON ESSEN, LENNY WOLPE,
GAY MARSHALL, KEVIN CAHOON;
GORDON GREENBERG DIRECTS; OCTOBER 26-28
The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces more casting for The Baker’s Wife, the fourth and final show in the Fall 2007 Musicals in Mufti Series -- the York’s acclaimed series of musical theatre gems in staged concert performances. This Series celebrates the work of playwright Joseph Stein. The Baker’s Wife will play October 26, 27 and 28 at the Theatre at Saint Peters (54th Street, Just East of Lexington Ave). Tickets are $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yorktheatre.org or call York’s Box Office at 212-935-5820.
The Baker’s Wife (book by Joseph Stein, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) will feature: Reneé Elise Goldsberry (Nettie, original cast of The Color Purple, The Lion King) in the title role, Genevieve, as well Rick Crom (Urinetown) and Betsy DiLellio (The Light in the Piazza, National Tour) who join the previously announced: Lenny Wolpe (The Drowsy Chaperone) as Aimable, the Baker, Max Von Essen (Les Miserables, Dance of the Vampires) as Dominique, Kevin Cahoon (The Wedding Singer, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as the Priest, and Gay Marshall (Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris) as Denise. The cast also includes: Wendi Bergamini (The Light in the Piazza, National Tour), Jacque Carnahan (Pirates of Penzance, Goodspeed Opera), Joy Franz (Into the Woods, Pippin), Laurent Giroux (Pippin, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Mitchell Greenberg (York’s Fermat’s Last Tango, Laughter on the 23rd Floor), Michael Medeiros (Violet, Playwrights Horizons), John O’Creagh (The Field, Irish Repertory Theatre), Richard Pruitt (Batboy the Musical, 42nd Street), Maureen Silliman (Shenandoah, Is There Life After High School?), and Clinton Zugel (The Goat, or who is Sylvia?, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis).
Final will be announced soon.
The Baker’s Wife will be directed by Gordon Greenberg who directed this show at The Paper Mill Playhouse in 2005. He also directed the recent Pirates! at The Paper Mill as well as Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris off Broadway. Mark Hartman (Avenue Q, York’s Bajour) is the Music Director.
The Baker’s Wife, with book by Joseph Stein and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is based on the film “La Femme de Boulanger” by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono.
The Baker’s Wife is a love story set in the French town of Concorde, where the people have been without a baker for six weeks and are filled with anticipation at the arrival of master baker Aimable Castagnie. The baker and his wife arrive, but when Aimable’s wife runs off with a young villager, Aimable cannot accept the truth. At first the villagers make fun of the baker’s situation until his goodness forces them to open their hearts and try to help him.
The show has a long history. The musical theater rights of the 1932 film were originally optioned by producers Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin, and the show was to be written by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows. This production never happened, but the idea came up again in the 70’s when David Merrick brought on Schwartz and Stein to write it and Zero Mostel was set to star. The show began an out of town tryout on May 11, 1976 in Los Angeles but with Topol as Aimable. The show went through major changes, including the replacement of Topol with Paul Sorvino, but the Broadway booking was canceled. A cast recording helped make the show known and in 1985, a revised Baker’s Wife was presented in a full production at The York, starring Jack Weston, and directed by Stephen Schwartz. In 1989, director Trevor Nunn convinced the authors to present the show in London, where its score was a given a new two-disc recording.
The Baker’s Wife follows the York’s productions of Zorba, Enter Laughing: The Musical and The Body Beautiful. All shows play five performances: Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2:30 pm & 8 pm, and Sunday at 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm. Audience discussions follow both matinees. Tickets are $35 and are now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yorktheatre.org or call York’s Box Office at 212-935-5820. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10-6.
York previously celebrated Joseph Stein in the Musicals in Mufti Fall 2006 Series (Take Me Along, Carmelina, Plain and Fancy). Stein won the Tony Award and Drama Critics Circle Award for Fiddler on the Roof. His other musicals include: Zorba (Tony nom., Drama Critics Circle Award), Rags (Tony nom.), The Baker's Wife (Laurence Olivier Award, London), Juno, Take Me Along, Irene; The King of Hearts and So Long, 174th Street. He also co-authored, with Alan Jay Lerner, the musical Carmelina and, with Will Glickman, Mr. Wonderful (starring Sammy Davis, Jr.) and Plain and Fancy. His plays include Enter Laughing, Before the Dawn and Mrs. Gibbons' Boys. He began his career in TV and radio, writing for "Sid Caesar Show," "Your Show of Shows," "The Henry Morgan Show" and many others including Tallulah Bankhead, Phil Silvers, Jackie Gleason and Zero Mostel. He wrote the screenplays of Enter Laughing and Fiddler on the Roof, for which he won the Screen Writers Guild Award. He is currently working on All About Us, the musical version of The Skin of Our Teeth with a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and another musical, yet to be announced. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild Council and is married to Elisa Stein, a psychotherapist.
Following The Baker’s Wife, The York Theatre Company will honor playwright Joseph Stein with the 2007 Oscar Hammerstein Award on Monday, November 12, 2007 at Saint Peter’s Church. The Award culminates York’s yearlong celebration of Stein with the Fall 2006 and Fall 2007 Musicals in Mufti Series. The concert celebration of Stein’s career will be presented at Saint Peter’s Church, which is upstairs from the York Theatre space. For more info: www.yorktheatre.org or call 212-935-5820.
‘Mufti’ (pronounced MUFF’ tee) means “in street clothes; without the usual trappings” and shows are presented script-in-hand, with minimal staging. The Musical in Mufti Series has celebrated such writers as Richard Rodgers, George Abbott and Joseph Stein. York has presented over 60 concert revivals of musical theatre gems from the past – more than any other such series in the world. Notable shows include: It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, I and Albert, The Day Before Spring, Take Me Along, Plain and Fancy, Beggar's Holiday, The Grass Harp, Wish You Were Here, Carmelina, Fanny, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, Lucky Stiff, Darling of the Day, Mata Hari, The Girl Who Came to Supper, Carmen Jones, Weird Romance, Johnny Johnson, Rex, Billion Dollar Baby, Mirette and 70, Girls, 70. TIME Magazine listed York's Mufti version of Darling of the Day as one of the Top Ten Theatrical Events of 2005.
For ticket information visit www.yorktheatre.org or call 212-935-5820.
THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY in Saint Peter’s Theatre,
54th Street Just East of Lexington;
E train to Lexington Avenue or 6 train to 51st Street
My pal, Eddie Varley is performing this Sunday at The Laurie Beechman Room. I hope you will check it out. I will be there, so if you know me say hi. I love ya, Eddie.
212-695-6909 for tickets and to make a reservation.
Photo by Maryann Lopinto at Into The Weeds last year.
THE GREAT READ WITH JULIE ANDREWS, JOHN TARTAGLIA AND MORE!
Photo of the one and only Julie Andrews. In front of the event Julie Andrews Julie Andrews http://www.nytimes.whsites.net/grip2007/readers.html
John Tartaglia- Avenue Q, Johnny and The Sprites
On October 14th, Maryann Lopinto attended The Great Read. Photos by Maryann Lopinto.
THE NEW YORK TIMES THIRD ANNUAL ‘GREAT READ’ TAKES PLACE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
TWO GREAT EVENTS:
THE GREAT CHILDREN’S READ featuring JULIE ANDREWS EDWARDS & EMMA WALTON Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit MARISKA HARGITAY Playhouse Disney’s JOHNNY & THE SPRITES Sesame Street’s SONIA MANZANO THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS Mary Poppins’ ASHLEY BROWN New York City Council speaker CHRISTINE QUINN The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’s JENNIFER SIMARD …and more
The Great Children’s Read is a free celebration of reading featuring live entertainment for children and families, presented by Target and held at Columbia University. A list of New York’s Top 20 All-Time Favorite Children’s Books was specially selected this year by children’s librarians from the three public library systems of New York City. Celebrities from film, TV and Broadway will read from the 20 books on the list at The Great Children’s Read. There will also be live musical entertainment. Admission to The Great Children’s Read at Columbia University is free and open to the public. Columbia University is located in Manhattan at Broadway & 116th Street.
To get tickets toThe York Theatre Company The Theatre At Saint Peter's 619 Lexington Ave, NY NY 10022 Box Office: (212) 935-5820 Administrative: (212)-935-5824
Photos by Maryann Lopinto for Corinescorner.com
Capathia Jenkins- The woman who always steals the show! The cast of The Body Beautiful are interviewed by James Morgan Brad Oscar Cady Huffman- Tony Award winner and was hilarious as Florence Colman Ryan Duncan- Who I recently interviewed on video.(Scroll down to watch video a few posts down) Megan Lawrence who was hilarious as Gloria! Maryann Lopinto attended a talkback yesterday for The Body Beautiful. Check it out! You can still get tickets for two shows at the York today. This show is adorable and charming and I advise that you go and see it.
Click on the top link for more info on how you can purchase tickets.
THE BODY BEAUTIFUL- JOE STEIN, WILL GLICKMAN, BOCK AND HARNICK.
This evening, I was thrilled to attend Joe Stein's The Body Beautiful. Although, very dated, this show was charming and sweet. A good old fashioned musical with a happy ending. (A different kind of HAPPY ENDING than the RITZ)
The entire cast of this show was fantastic but there were standouts:
1. Megan Lawrence was hysterical in the role of Gloria! Her comedic timing, dancing and facial expressions were priceless.
2. Capathia Jenkins has proven what a stellar actress and singer she is. In Martin Short she stole the show as well as (MIS)UNDERSTANDING MAMMY- The Hattie McDaniel Story which got Capathia a Drama Desk nomination. Capathia had a small role in this show but she stood out in the crowd. Her voice is nothing short of remarkable. She was robbed of the Drama Desk last year, and deserved a TONY for her performance in Martin Short where she stole the show. Capathia is destined for great things if someone could find her the perfect role. I would love to see her in the WIZ on Broadway.
3. Laura Marie Duncan wowed me singing the lead role of Ann. I look forward to seeing her in many productions on and off Broadway. She has a gorgeous voice and it shined in this production.
2007 Tony Award Winner Christine Ebersole Joins ROCKERS ON BROADWAY: Salutes MOTOWN
Hosted By CAROLINE RHEA
Broadway superstar Christine Ebersole will rock the house at Rockers on Broadway when they return to BB Kings Blues Club on Monday, October 22nd at 8pm.
Ebersole won the 2007 Tony award for her stunning portrayal of the two Edie Beales in Grey Gardens.
This latest edition of Rockers--ROCKERS ON BROADWAY SALUTES MOTOWN --will be hosted by actress/comedian Caroline Rhea (TV’s The Biggest Loser) and will feature a lineup of world famous recording stars performing with a host of Broadway performers, all to benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS and Wingspan Arts Inc.
Highlights of the evening will be the special, honorary appearance of Motown’s songwriting legends–the team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, and NYC legendary DJ and Sirius Radio star, Cousin Brucie Morrow.
Rockers scheduled to appear include Darlene Love (“He’s a Rebel”; current cast of Hairspray), La La Brooks (lead singer for The Crystals; original cast of Hair), Micky Dolenz from the Monkees, the “original pop princess” Deborah Gibson, and singer-songwriter Kate Taylor (featured in November Vanity Fair Magazine’s Folksingers portfolio)
Broadway stars in the cast of nearly 40 include three of the four leads from Jersey Boys – Daniel Reichard , J. Robert Spencer and 2006 TonyAward winner Christian Hoff, along with fellow Jersey Boys castmembers Donnie Kehr (The Who’s Tommy, Aida), Kris Coleman and Michael Longoria (Hairspray). Broadway veteran, writer Rupert Holmes (Curtains), will be on hand to support Holland-Dozier-Holland, his collaborators on the new musical The First Wives Club.
Rockers on Broadway, founded in 1993 by Donnie Kehr while appearing in the Broadway run of The Who’s Tommy, was inspired by Pete Townshend, who wanted the play’s performers to experience the feeling of singing with a rock band in a concert style venue, and to transfer the rawness of that edge to the stage.
Proceeds from the event go to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Wingspan Arts, Inc. BC/EFA gives assistance nationwide to persons living with HIV/AIDS and Breast Cancer. Wingspan Arts provides In-school/ Afterschool/ Conservatory arts education programs to Tri-state area children.
Rockers is presented by Joseph Grano Jr., The Path Fund Inc., Executive producers Donnie Kehr and Cori Gardner, and Producer Sandy Hicks, and is sponsored by The Frye Company, Macy’s & Rothmann’s Steakhouse & Grill.
Rockers on Broadway---- Monday, October 22 at 8:00 PM at BB King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 42nd Street). Tickets, on sale now at the BB Kings Box Office or at ticketmaster.com,. For more info, go to www.rockersonbroadway.com. (All performers subject to change)
Dining at my favorite neighborhood restaurant I met a Star!!!
How often does this happen to you. It is a rainy night. I went on a run today and it started to pour. Pour like the sky was falling. I decided to meet a very close friend for dinner but I didn't have time to go home and shower or put on makeup. That is why it sucks to be me. Greasy. Drenched in sweat and rain, I met my bestfriend for dinner. On this night, all drenched in grease I met PETER SCOLARI.
Who is that? Don't you remember BOSOM BUDDIES? My favorite tv show with a very young TOM HANKS. ( The man I have always admired)
He was even more charming than you would imagine. I had to meet him without any makeup after a run and no makeup and than poured on in the rain.
What a night. He and his girlfriend were very charming.
MAYOR BLOOMBERG LAUNCHES “THIS IS NEW YORK CITY” –
THE FIRST-EVER MULTIMEDIA GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN
TO PROMOTE NYC
City’s First-Ever Global Marketing Campaign Includes Television, Print, Online and
Outdoor Advertising Across the World;
Campaign Will Help Achieve Mayor’s Goal of 50 Million Tourists By 2015
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the first phase of “This is New York City,” the first-ever global multimedia communications campaign to promote New York City. The comprehensive, multi-lingual campaign – which starts today – includes television, print, online and outdoor advertising in ten countries on four continents. The campaign, which uses $30 million in advertising assets over one year, will ensure that New York City is aggressively promoted throughout the world in an increasingly competitive tourism industry. The campaign is a vital part of the plan to achieve the Mayor’s goal of attracting 50 million tourists to New York City by 2015. The campaign’s message, “This is New York City,” is grounded in the central truth that the City offers visitors a range and diversity of experiences unmatched by any other destination in the world. As part of the campaign, the City’s tourism website was revamped with customization tools to make traveling to the City easier than ever. In making the announcement, the Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor Daniel L. Doctoroff, NYC & Company Board Chairman Jonathan M. Tisch and NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta at NASDAQ headquarters in Times Square.
“Tourism is essential to our economy, which is why we strengthened NYC & Company and committed additional resources to bring more and more visitors to our world-class attractions, including our shops, restaurants, hotels and small businesses,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Everyone who has visited the City already knows about our unparalleled diversity, excitement, culture, shopping and entertainment – but we want the rest of the world to know that our doors are open and there is something here for everyone to enjoy. With ‘This is New York City,’ our visually stunning and innovative marketing campaign – the first ever undertaken by the City – we will continue to build upon our successes and help us reach our goal of attracting 50 million tourists to the City by 2015.”
“The New York City experience simply is unlike any other, and while no campaign can make people feel that, we think we can make people want to feel it by giving them a glimpse of what this City has to offer,” said Deputy Mayor Doctoroff. “The launch of this global campaign signifies our commitment to promoting New York City and achieving our goal of attracting 50 million visitors by 2015. I want to thank George Fertitta, Jon Tisch and NYC & Company for creating such a dynamic campaign that reflects the true character of New York.”
The innovative marketing campaign was created by NYC & Company with their advertising agency of record, Bartle Bogle Hegarty, New York (BBH). The campaign’s centerpiece is an eye-catching and innovative television spot that uses live action and animation to bring to life iconic images from the five boroughs, including Yankee Stadium, Times Square, Coney Island, the Staten Island Ferry and the Unisphere. Directed by Matthew Cullen and Jesus de Francisco of Motion Theory, the spot, which has 30- and 60-second versions, captures the energy, excitement and joy of a trip to the City. The television spot features a contemporary version of the classic “Take the A Train,” a song that celebrates Harlem and the subway line that takes you there, remixed by Mint Royale, written by Billy Strayhorn and performed by Ella Fitzgerald. The spot will air on television in Spain, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom, and domestically it will air across the country as part of the City’s unique partnership with The History Channel and other cable partners. The ad will also air on other channels in two regional markets, Boston and Philadelphia.
The outdoor and print advertisements all highlight different segments of the New York City experience – from shopping and fashion to entertainment and food. The campaign will include outdoor advertising on bus shelters in Brazil, Portugal, Italy and Spain, and domestically in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and San Antonio. Much of the outdoor advertising was obtained through the City’s ground-breaking street furniture contract with Cemusa. Print ads will run in magazines and newspapers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Germany, Boston and Philadelphia.
“The competition in the global tourism industry is fierce. Negative perceptions of the United States around the world, compounded by the lack of a coordinated national marketing effort, are only making things worse,” said Chairman Tisch. “In the face of this, New York City was determined to take the lead by developing a new strategic and targeted global marketing campaign. With this bold strategy in place, we can ensure that we are – unquestionably – the world’s premiere destination.”
“This is an important moment for New York City, with the creation of the City’s first true global communications campaign,” said Fertitta. “Our goal was to create a campaign that would show visitors all the vibrancy, joy, energy and excitement that sets New York City apart from other destinations. We believe the multi-layered media elements – particularly the television spot – will create a feeling that will resonate with people worldwide, and inspire them to come experience this remarkable city for themselves.”
On the web, NYC & Company has revamped its website, nycvisit.com, which is available through nyc.gov, in order to make a trip to the City more manageable. The enhanced website features interactive customization tools that let users create a New York City experience to match their personal interests. The tool generates hotel, dining, shopping, culture, event and nightlife options – content provided by Time Out New York – for each user based on the results of a seven-question quiz. Users can then select options and save them to a personalized page with an interactive map.
Interactive banner ads will run on heavily trafficked websites such as Google, YouTube and Expedia. The campaign also features partnerships with key international retailers and corporations to create travel and tourism programs and capitalizes on NYC & Company’s new global network of offices. Future phases of the campaign will further explore the multi-layered meanings of “This is New York City.”
The campaign is the result of the Mayor’s continuing commitment to grow the City’s travel and tourism industry. Nearly two years ago, Mayor Bloomberg created a single organization dedicated to promoting the City, NYC & Company, and announced $15 million in additional annual funding in order to attract 50 million visitors to New York City by 2015. The City is already ahead of schedule to achieve that goal; last year, the City welcomed 43.8 million visitors, which supported more than 350,000 jobs and had an annual economic impact of nearly $25 billion. The City has been particularly successful in attracting visitors from abroad. Overseas visitation to New York City is up 9% since 2000, while overseas visitation to the United States as a whole decreased by 17% in that same timeframe.
The City has expanded its global reach, opening a slate of international offices that brought its presence to 14 locations serving 21 countries worldwide. More recently, attention was focused closer to home with “Just Ask the Locals,” a tourist appreciation campaign that called on residents citywide to thank visitors for coming to New York City and help them navigate the City while here.
MY MOTHER''S ITALIAN MY FATHERS JEWISH AND I'M IN THERAPY. IT MADE A YEAR. OY VEY!
One year of laughter! One year of Latkes! One year of Lasagna! On Saturday, November 3rd, the New York production of Steve Solomon’s MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY! celebrates its one-year anniversary. Solomon’s hit comedy first opened in a 12-week limited engagement. Due to popular demand, the show extended twice before announcing an open ended run that continues to play at The Westside Theatre Downstairs (407 West 43rd Street). The New York production stars Paul Kreppel while Steve Solomon continues to tour cities throughout the United States with the production.
“Our first anniversary,” says Solomon, “I always forget; what do you give on a first anniversary? Paper? Wood? Leather? Pizza? Matzo? KFC? I asked my Mother about it. She said ‘Give thanks.’ Ok, Momma, Thanks New York! It’s been a great first year.”
“Steve has written a funny show that manages to touch its audiences,” says Kreppel. “Whether they are Jewish, Italian, a regular therapy-goer or not, this show makes people feel good. I love playing Steve. What a treat to go into a therapy session and discuss someone else’s family for a change!”
Twice the holidays! Twice the hollering! Twice the guilt! After sold-out engagements around the country, Rodger Hess, Abby Koffler, Howard Rapp, Arnold Graham and Ed Frankel present Steve Solomon’s MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY!. One part canoli, one part kreplach and two parts prozac, ITALIAN+JEWISH=THERAPY is written by Steve Solomon, currently stars Paul Kreppel and is directed by John Bowab (Legends!, The Unsinkable Molly Brown). The scenic design is by Ray Klausen; Lighting design by Brian Nason; and sound design by Carl Casella.
WOR Radio raves “The show’s a big hit! It’s an hour-and-a-half of laughter! Hysterically funny!” while Joe Franklin of Bloomberg Radio call’s the show “the sleeper hit of the season!” WCBS-TV heralds the show as “A funny look at family relationships” that WWOR-TV raves “brings down the house!”
Having headlined throughout the United States and Europe for over twenty years, Steve Solomon and his stories relate to the wacky side of the human condition, combining comic voices, sound effects and astounding characters - bringing alive a myriad of people from all walks of life. ITALIAN+JEWISH=THERAPY has toured in over 50 cities around the United States, Canada and Bermuda, playing to sold out audiences and return engagements.
A 2007 Tony Award winner as the co-conceiver/director/producer of Jay Johnson: The Two and Only!, Paul Kreppel is best known as lounge lizard Sonny Mann in the ’80s sitcom “It’s a Living.” Other TV appearances include “ER” and “That ’70s Show!” as Jackie’s Dad. His NY acting credits include Joseph Papp’s NY Shakespeare Festival productions at The Public, Lincoln Center and Delacorte theatres, as well as Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!; Godspell; The Proposition; and Joseph…Dreamcoat. He has appeared at Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Berkshire Theatre Festival, Studio Arena and Los Angeles’ Reprise and Mark Taper Forum.
Steve Solomon’s MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY! plays at The Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street, between 9th & 10th Aves.). Via subway, take the 1/2/3/7/A/C/E/N/R/Q/W/S trains to 42nd Street/Times Square. Performances are Tuesday at 7:00PM, Wednesday – Saturday at 8:00PM with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00PM. Tickets are $61.25 - $71.25. For tickets call Telecharge.com, (212) 239-6200. Visit www.ItalianJewishTherapy.com.
Photo by Maryann Lopinto BETTY BUCKLEY TO MAKE HER TOWN HALL SOLO CONCERT DEBUT AS PART OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED 3RD ANNUAL BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL
AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 AT 8PM -
(NEW YORK, NY) Acclaimed actress/singer Betty Buckley makes her Town Hall solo concert debut on Saturday, October 20 at 8pm as part of the Third Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival in AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY. The evening is hosted by Scott Siegel with musical direction by long-time Buckley collaborator Kenny Werner.
Betty Buckley won a Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. She received her second Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a musical for her performance as Hesione in TRIUMPH OF LOVE, and an Olivier Award nomination for her interpretation of Norma Desmond in the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BOULEVARD, which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway.
Her other Broadway credits include 1776, PIPPIN, SONG AND DANCE, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and CARRIE. Off-Broadway credits include Lincoln Center’s ELEGIES, the original NYSF production of EDWIN DROOD, THE EROS TRILOGY and JUNO SWANS. Regional credits include GYPSY, THREEPENNY OPERA, CAMINO REAL and BUFFALO GAL. She starred in the London production of PROMISES, PROMISES.
Her film appearances include her debut in Brian de Palma’s screen version of Stephen King’s CARRIE, Bruce Beresford’s TENDER MERCIES, Roman Polanski’s FRANTIC, Woody Allen’s ANOTHER WOMAN and Lawrence Kasden’s WYATT EARP.
Most recently, Buckley appeared on the 2006 Kennedy Center Honors. She has also starred in the HBO series OZ and as Abby Bradford in the hit series EIGHT IS ENOUGH. She has appeared in the CBS series WITHOUT A TRACE, the NBC series LAW & ORDER: SVU, the FOX series THE JURY and MONK for the USA network. She has received two Emmy Nominations.
Buckley has completed 11 CD’s, among them QUINTESSENCE to be released in 2008 and the Grammy Nominated STARS AND THE MOON, BETTY BUCKLEY LIVE AT THE DONMAR. Ms. Buckley’s latest, BETTY BUCKLEY 1967, is set for release on October 16, from Playbill Records.
For over thirty years Ms. Buckley has been a teacher of scene study and song interpretation, giving workshops in Manhattan and various universities and performing arts conservatories around the country. She has been a faculty member in the theatre department of the University of Texas at Arlington, the Terry Schreiber Acting School in New York City and the Casa Manana Theatre in Fort Worth, TX.
In March of 2007, Ms. Buckley was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in Austin.
http://www.bettybuckley.com
The 3rd Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival kicks-off at The Town Hall on Friday, October 19 at 8pm with A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, hosted by Scott Siegel. The festival culminates on Sunday, October 21 at 3 PM with BROADWAY ORIGINALS starring such famous Broadway names as Anita Gillette (Mr. President), Alan Campbell (Sunset Blvd.), Martin Vidnovic (Brigadoon), Brad Oscar (The Producers), George S. Irving (Irene), and a total of about twenty great stars recreating the songs they performed in their original cast productions.
Built in 1921 by a group of suffragettes, The Town Hall began as a lecture hall and public forum for debates. Over the decades, the stage has been graced by Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, Billie Holiday, Igor Stravinsky, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis. Today the hall flourishes as a popular, affordable venue, boasting the hottest acts in rock, pop, folk, cabaret, world music, comedy and dance, including Billy Joel, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, Liza Minnelli, Cyndi Lauper, Norah Jones, Andre Watts, Henry Rollins, Joe Jackson, Pink Martini, Regina Spector, Brian Adams, Aimee Mann and Dawn Upshaw. For over a decade, The Town Hall has hosted live broadcasts of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. Over the past two-and-a-half decades, The Town Hall has produced a number of new and critically acclaimed musical series, which include The Century of Change, Not Just Jazz, Broadway By The Year and The Broadway Cabaret Festival.
In The Town Hall tradition as The People’s Concert Hall, tickets are available at $50 for this all-star weekend through TicketMaster, 212-307-4100, or www.ticketmaster.com, or by visiting the Town Hall Box Office between noon and 6 PM (except Sundays) at 123 West 43rd Street, 212-840-2824 or visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org.
Interview With Megan Lewis- Forbidden Broadway Special Victims Unit!
Note to readers: (This interview was done for the site in 2006.)
Forbidden Broadway SVU won the Drama Desk for Best Musical Revue.
It is a must see show! It is one of my favorite shows of all time.
Corine Cohen: Where did you grow up?
Megan Lewis: I grew up in a coastal community named Wilmington in North Carolina. My parents and my sister Katie still live there.
Corine Cohen:When did you realize theater was your calling?
Megan Lewis: I realized theatre was my calling four or five years ago when I got my first lead as Peter in Peter Pan at Winston Salem Little Theatre in North Carolina. They're an amazing community theatre group. With their support and through the audiences response, I knew that if I could love doing something this much then it must be my path.
With all the costume changes, are there any funny disasters backstage that you can share?
Every night is a potential funny disaster backstage. The funniest times are usually when we're in such a hurry to get back onstage we forget to remove a piece from our last number. I forget my bloomers a lot and Ron Bohmer has gone on as Alfred Molina in Fiddler on the Roof with a huge earring left over from Harvey Fierstein in Hairspray.
Corine Cohen:I never saw Ron with Edna earrings, that is funny! I heard you were discovered at an open call and was hired to be Christine Pedi's understudy and Christine got sick and you became an instant Forbidden Broadway hit. How did that feel? Tell me about it in detail.
Megan Lewis: Preparing for opening weekend was a rollercoaster ride because we were all pulling for Christine to get well. I was originally hired to perform in Forbidden's Christmas show in Florida. When it became clear that I would go on, there wasn't any time for celebration. For three days I ate, drank, slept Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit. Everyone was so supportive. When the big night came, I know there were some disappointed folks. I had big shoes to fill. I did my best and the audiences were very kind. I'm grateful the folks at Forbidden Broadway took a chance on me.
Corine Cohen: I am glad they did, you are marvelous! What is your favorite bit in Forbidden Broadway SVU?
Megan Lewis: Currently my favorite bit in the show is the Light in the Piazza number. It's very silly and borders on out of control.
Corine Cohen: Was acting what you always wanted to do?
Megan Lewis: Acting became an extension of my first love, singing.
Corine Cohen: It must be very difficult doing the show 8 times a week. Your Idina is so on the money and Jen Simard's Chenoweth is so funny! Have you ever thought of starring with her in Wicked? Now that she has left you are the star!
Megan Lewis: I would love to do Wicked with Jennifer Simard. I'd love to do anything with Jenn. I learned so much from her professionally and personally. As far as the show having "stars", the great thing about Forbidden Broadway is that it's truly an ensemble piece. We all get our moment to shine and just as importantly, as an ensemble we get to contribute to those individual moments. Doing this show 8 times a week is tough, but hey, that's showbiz.
Corine Cohen: Jenn was wonderful and she will be missed! Any other dreams or aspirations?
Megan Lewis: My dream is to be happy doing what I love. That may not always be theatre, but right now, so far so good!
Corine Cohen: What music do you listen to at home?
Megan Lewis: At home, I've been on an Elvis kick lately. My boyfriend, Brett, is a classical guitarist so I get an earful of that. My all time favorite is Radiohead.
Corine Cohen: What do you do to prepare for Forbidden Broadway. How do you do Lupone so well?
Megan Lewis: To prepare for the show each night, I warm up vocally very carefully. This show can chew your cords like a meat grinder. Then I goof off backstage with everyone. There are lots of laughs backstage, too. I'm flattered you think I impersonate Lupone well. She's a constant battle because she's so amazing. Having fun with a legend can be tricky but Gerard always has great tips.
Corine Cohen: What is it like to work with Gerard Alessandrini?
Megan Lewis: Working with Gerard is full of surprises. He works best under pressure so we get some of his funniest ideas at crunch time. He's very sweet and loves what he does. That excitement is infectious.
Thank you, Megan. It was a pleasure watching you in Forbidden Broadway!
INTERVIEW WITH Anton Dudley- Corine's Corner Blast From The Past!
I'm sure it was before I can remember. The first time you pretend to be something or do something and someone takes notice and has an honest reaction - that is your first experience with theatre - the first time you use your imagination to communicate - I sort of hope I did this pre-natally, but I doubt it. I like to think I wore my diaper as wings and threw a puff of baby powder in the air as a cloud and pretended I was an angel - if this wasn't the case, however, I performed my first play when I was five - it was a puppet play about a woman made of toilet paper roles. From then on, I was hooked.
I read that Tony Kushner is a mentor. He is brilliant. What is he like?
He is one of the most genuine, generous, open-hearted, intelligent people I have ever met. You practically see both his heart and his mind glow around him like some fabulous human aura, it's infectious and you can't help feel like a better, brighter person when you meet him. He taught me the most simple, most effective lesson I have ever received -theatre is about relationships - if you write the relationship, everything else (your themes, political ideas, etc.) will naturally be present, because these are things that define a person, but we only really communicate through inter-personal relationships, this is the action of speaking and making human connections. I worked with him only briefly, but he changed the way I write and, I feel, my life in general.
What inspired you to write Slag Heap?
I'm fascinated with how beauty survives in extreme circumstances and examining those things which get us through life: mainly, humor and friendship. Like how a flower grows out from the mud. I also love the accent of Manchester, UK. It's where my family is from. There is a musicality and richness in the language, not only in its words but also in its rhythms. So much of what a character communicates - his pain and his pleasure - comes through his diction and the sound of his voice - it's like music. I also like plays with multiple protagonists - rarely are we the constant protagonist of our own story, sometimes we'll get sucked into someone else's story as a supporting character for a while, and then find our way back into our own - people also come in and out of our lives at certain points - It's fascinating to me how and why this happens, literally the collection of experiences that make up the history of friendship. Laughing and crying are also good - we're at our most human states when we are feeling these emotions - I wanted to put all of that in a play and see what happens - a play should be like an amusement park - an incredible collection of journeys and rides over the course of which you can experience the prism of human emotion.
Whom do you admire most?
My Mum. Also, people who remain true to their hearts, no matter what. People who appreciate and understand their connection to the human web. People who respect and don't judge others. People who think with their heart. And waiters - anyone in the service industry actually, I admire them greatly.
Do you have a favorite show other than yours?
AVENUE Q, Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL, Craig Lucas' SMALL TRAGEDY, Caryl Churchill and David Lan's A MOUTHFUL OF BIRDS, Suzan-Lori Parks' VENUS, and Eugene Ionesco's THE CHAIRS.
What do you want to do next?
I have a romantic comedy I just completed called GETTING HOME. It mixes Indian fairy tales with the stories of three young New Yorkers on the path to find true love in the most bizarre places - it's funny, theatrical, and totally different from SLAG HEAP - all of my plays are very different from each other in tone and setting, I'd like to get this one produced next just to show my versatility - I also have a crush on the play's three characters - is that healthy, do you think? To fall in love with someone you've created in your own mind - sure, why not.
JOSEPH STEIN MUSICAL IN MUFTI SERIES- THE BODY BEAUTIFUL!!!
3RD SHOW IN 2007 JOSEPH STEIN MUSICALS IN MUFTI SERIES 1ST BWAY SHOW WRITTEN BY FIDDLER’S CREATORS:
JERRY BOCK, SHELDON HARNICK AND JOSEPH STEIN
NOW IN REHEARSALS;
CAST INCLUDES: CADY HUFFMAN, CAPATHIA JENKINS,
MEGAN LAWRENCE, BRAD OSCAR, AND MORE;
DAVID GLENN ARMSTRONG DIRECTS
OCTOBER 12-14
The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is now in rehearsals for The Body Beautiful, the third of the four shows in the Fall 2007 Musicals in Mufti Series -- the York’s acclaimed series of musical theatre gems in staged concert performances. This Series celebrates the work of playwright Joseph Stein. The Body Beautiful will play October 12, 13, and 14 at the Theatre at Saint Peters (54th Street, Just East of Lexington Ave). Tickets are $35. For more information or to purchase tickets to any of the Mufti shows, visit www.yorktheatre.org or call York’s Box Office at 212-935-5820.
The final cast of The Body Beautiful will feature: Tony Award winner Cady Huffman (The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies, Big Deal), Tony Award nominees Megan Lawrence (The Pajama Game, Urinetown) and Brad Oscar (The Producers, Aspects of Love) and Drama Desk nominee Capathia Jenkins ((mis)Understanding Mammy, Martin Short - Fame Becomes Me). The cast also includes: Angie Schworer (The Producers, The Will Roger Follies), Laura Marie Duncan (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Full Monty), Ryan Duncan (Original Cast, Altar Boyz), Stephen Bienskie (Silence!- The Musical, Cats), Amy Goldberger (Helen Hayes Award nominee – Side Show, Austentatious, NYMF), Jonathan Kay (Gemini the Musical, NYMF, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas), Mike McGowan (The Apple Tree, The Producers), John Eric Parker (All Shook Up, Rent), Patrick Richwood (The Pirates of Penzance and Peter Pan tours) and Jim Sorensen (York's Plain & Fancy, Fulton Opera's Thoroughly Modern Millie). The show will be directed by David Glenn Armstrong (The Day Before Spring, (Mis)Understanding Mammy: The Hattie McDaniel Story, Plain and Fancy). John Bell (Plane Crazy, Meet Me in St. Louis, Plain and Fancy) is the Music Director.
Brad Oscar will be playing the role of Dave, originally announced to be played by Dick Latessa.
The Body Beautiful has a book by Joseph Stein and Will Glickman, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock. The Body Beautiful was the first collaboration between Harnick, Bock, and Stein, who went on to write Fiddler on the Roof a few years later. The show is about a wealthy Dartmouth College graduate who wishes to be a prize-winning boxer and the girl he loves who disapproves of his ambitions. His fight manager must deal with uninspired fighters, two ex-wives and a new girlfriend.
Directed by George Schaefer and choreographed by Herbert Ross, the show opened at The Broadway Theatre on January 23, 1958 and featured Mindy Carson, Steve Forrest, Jack Warden, Barbara McNair, William Hickey and Brock Peters.
The Body Beautiful follows York’s productions of Zorba and Enter Laughing: The Musical and will be followed by The Baker’s Wife, which will run October 26-28 and will be directed by Gordon Greenberg with Mark Hartman as Music Director. All shows play five performances: Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2:30 pm & 8 pm, and Sunday at 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm. Audience discussions follow both matinees. Tickets are $35 and are now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yorktheatre.org or call York’s Box Office at 212-935-5820. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10-6.
York previously celebrated Joseph Stein in the Musicals in Mufti Fall 2006 Series (Take Me Along, Carmelina, Plain and Fancy). Stein won the Tony Award and Drama Critics Circle Award for Fiddler on the Roof. His other musicals include: Zorba (Tony nom., Drama Critics Circle Award), Rags (Tony nom.), The Baker's Wife (Laurence Olivier Award, London), Juno, Take Me Along, Irene; The King of Hearts and So Long, 174th Street. He also co-authored, with Alan Jay Lerner, the musical Carmelina and, with Will Glickman, Mr. Wonderful (starring Sammy Davis, Jr.) and Plain and Fancy. His plays include Enter Laughing, Before the Dawn and Mrs. Gibbons' Boys. He began his career in TV and radio, writing for "Sid Caesar Show," "Your Show of Shows," "The Henry Morgan Show" and many others including Tallulah Bankhead, Phil Silvers, Jackie Gleason and Zero Mostel. He wrote the screenplays of Enter Laughing and Fiddler on the Roof, for which he won the Screen Writers Guild Award. He is currently working on All About Us, the musical version of The Skin of Our Teeth with a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and another musical, yet to be announced. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild Council and is married to Elisa Stein, a psychotherapist.
The York Theatre Company will honor playwright Joseph Stein with the Sixteenth Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre on Monday, November 12, 2007 at Saint Peter’s Church. The Award culminates York’s yearlong celebration of Stein with the Fall 2006 and Fall 2007 Musicals in Mufti Series. The concert celebration of Stein’s career will be presented at Saint Peter’s Church, which is upstairs from the York Theatre space. For more info: www.yorktheatre.org or call 212-935-5820.
For ticket information visit www.yorktheatre.org or call 212-935-5820.
THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY in Saint Peter’s Theatre,
54th Street Just East of Lexington;
E train to Lexington Avenue or 6 train to 51st Street
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2007 AT McGRAW-HILL AUDITORIUM, ROCKEFELLER CENTER
PIA LINDSTROM TO HOST CELEBRATION OF ACCLAIMED CHILDRENS THEATER COMPANY
Karen Ziemba (Curtains), Robert Jess Roth (director of Beauty and the Beast) and playwright A.R. Gurney (Love Letters) have joined the list of Broadway stars as presenters at the October 15 Inside Broadway 25th Anniversary Gala Concert.
Inside Broadway, the innovative and acclaimed children’s theater organization founded in 1982 by Michael Presser to create the audiences of tomorrow, will celebrate its Twenty-Fifth Anniversary with a Benefit Concert on Monday October 15, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the McGraw-Hill Building Auditorium, Avenue of the Americas and 49th Street in Rockefeller Center.
Benefit Chairs for the event are Harry Coghlan, President and General Manager, Clear Channel Spectacolor; Joseph Coppotelli, Vice-Chairman, Structuretone; L. Bradford Perkins, Founder, Perkins-Eastman; Catherine Michaelson, Principal, Michaelson Associates and Student Advisor, Harvard Law School; George Stonbely, President, Spectacular Ventures; Joseph Cabrera, Executive Vice-President, Cushman & Wakefield; and David Jaffe, President, HighRise Systems, Inc
The evening, preceded by a 6 PM cocktail reception, will feature TVs Pia Lindstrom as Master of Ceremonies, casts of several Broadway shows in performance (TBA), and the organizations annual Broadway Beacon Awards. These are given to individuals in the theatre industry who have been advocates for increasing the audience for live theatre in New York City, particularly in helping to develop new young audiences for Broadway. This years honorees will include such Tony Award-winning and nominated performers as Bebe Neuwirth star of stage and screen, Roger Bart, star of Broadways upcoming Young Frankenstein, and Broadway couple Rebecca Luker of Mary Poppins and Danny Burstein of The Drowsy Chaperone. Previous Broadway Beacon winners, many of whom have participated in Inside Broadway productions and events, have included Carol Channing, Joel Grey, Tovah Feldshuh, Karen Ziemba, Sutton Foster, and Karen Mason.
In addition, special Beacon awards will be presented by the Board of Directors of Inside Broadway to Michael Presser, the Founder & Executive Director of the organization, for 25 Years of Distinguished Service, and to William G. Tung, a member of the Board of Directors, and a Managing Director of the Rockefeller Group Development Corporation, who has also served Inside Broadway for almost 7 years
Tickets are $350.00, from Inside Broadway, (212) 245-0710, or at insidebroadway@jaffemanagement.com. More information can also be found at www.insidebroadway.org.
The company celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Broadway performance last November at the Winter Garden Theatre, for both school groups and the public, with excerpts from Broadway shows. Guest speakers at the event included Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Shubert Organization Chairman Gerald Schoenfeld and many other officials and theatre artists. The 25th Anniversary Season will continue in the fall with school workshops, a special Creating the Magic, a behind-the-scenes look at a Broadway show and the various careers in theater, and the spring production of the hit Youre A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Inside Broadway began its unique programs in 1982, at the request of Shubert Organization President Bernard Jacobs, by creating the first Broadway student ticket program, for the musical Cats. The organization also created the first educational video showing the behind the scenes at the Winter Garden Theater and created 50 minute versions of hit Broadway shows that travel to schools to introduce young people to musical theatre.
Kate Taylor has a concert at the Cutting Room on Oct 19th. She is also in Rockers on Broadway the post below! I interviewed Kate at a Rockers rehersal last year and she is incredible. She is also James Taylor's sister and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Check her out!
Fri, Oct. 19 2007 8:00 PM The Cutting Room 19 W 24th Street New York City, NY 212 691 1900 Kate returns to NYC's famed Cutting Room for a great night of music.
COUSIN BRUCIE MORROW Will be in Rockers on Broadway.
This event will be the best event of the year. I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE!!!!! ROCKERS ON BROADWAY: Salutes MOTOWN
Hosted By CAROLINE RHEA
Legendary radio personality Cousin Brucie Morrow joins the star-studded cast of Rockers on Broadway when they return to BB Kings Blues Club on Monday, October 22nd at 8pm.
After a smash success last winter, the ROCKERS ON BROADWAY benefit concert is back. This latest edition--ROCKERS ON BROADWAY SALUTES MOTOWN --will again be hosted by actress/comedian Caroline Rhea (TV’s The Biggest Loser) and will feature a lineup of world famous recording stars performing with a host of Broadway performers, all to benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS and Wingspan Arts Inc.
A highlight of the evening will be the special, honorary appearance of Motown’s songwriting legends–the team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, whose new musical, The First Wives Club, is headed for Broadway.
Rockers scheduled to appear include Darlene Love (“He’s a Rebel”; current cast of Hairspray), La La Brooks (lead singer for The Crystals; original cast of Hair), Micky Dolenz from the Monkees, the “original pop princess” Deborah Gibson, and singer-songwriter Kate Taylor (featured in November Vanity Fair Magazine’s Folksingers portfolio)
Broadway stars in the cast include three of the four leads from Jersey Boys – Daniel Reichard , J. Robert Spencer and 2006 TonyAward winner Christian Hoff, along with fellow Jersey Boys castmembers Donnie Kehr (The Who’s Tommy, Aida), Kris Coleman and Michael Longoria (Hairspray); Grammy- nominated Tevin Campbell (Hairspray), Will Chase (High Fidelity, Lennon), Greg Reuter (Spamalot) , Krisha Marcano (The Color Purple), Renee Elise Goldsberry (The Color Purple, Lion King), Michael Lanning (The Civil War, Trans Siberian Orchestra), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Les Miserables, Rent), Jeremy Schonfeld (Drift), John Eric Parker (All Shook Up, Rent) and Anika Ellis (The Color Purple, Sweet Charity).Broadway veteran, writer Rupert Holmes (Curtains), will be on hand to support Holland-Dozier-Holland, his collaborators on the new musical The First Wives Club.
Rockers on Broadway, founded in 1993 by Donnie Kehr while appearing in the Broadway run of The Who’s Tommy, was inspired by Pete Townshend, who wanted the play’s performers to experience the feeling of singing with a rock band in a concert style venue, and to transfer the rawness of that edge to the stage.
All proceeds from the event will go to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Wingspan Arts, Inc. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids gives assistance nationwide to persons living with HIV/AIDS and Breast Cancer. Wingspan Arts provides In-school/ Afterschool/ Conservatory arts education programs to Tri-state area children.
Rockers is presented by Joseph Grano Jr., The Path Fund Inc., Executive producers Donnie Kehr and Cori Gardner, and Producer Sandy Hicks, and is sponsored by The Frye Company, Macy’s & Rothmann’s Steakhouse & Grill.
Rockers on Broadway---- Monday, October 22 at 8:00 PM at BB King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 42nd Street). Tickets, on sale now at the BB Kings Box Office or at ticketmaster.com, are $1200 (VIP Reserved table for 8), $900 (VIP Reserved table for 6), $150 (General Admission Floor Seating), $75 (General Admission Balcony Seating). For more info, go to www.rockersonbroadway.com. All performers subject to change.
At the Forbidden Broadway after party I spoke to Stephen Schwartz, who had a giant impact on my theater life. When "Pippin" opened on Broadway my parents took me. The show had a giant impact and took me from a mere theater goer to someone who knew her calling.
Thank you, Stephen for unlocking my CORNER OF THE SKY! Had it not been for him and Pippin my site might have never been born. I wonder what I would be doing instead? Life is funny that way.
Everyone needs to find their PASSION and Corine's Corner has been very exciting. I really hope that someday I can live out my dream and have my own talk show.
JANE OLIVOR, KAREN AKERS, MARC KUDISCH, LIZ CALLAWAY, LARI WHITE, JIM CARUSO, CASS MORGAN, SCOTT COULTER, JASON GRAAE, LISA HOWARD, STEVEN LUTVAK, JILL ABRAMOWITZ, CHRIS DICRISTO, JULIE GARNYE, and CAROLE SCHWARTZ
KICKOFF THIRD ANNUAL BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL AT THE TOWN HALL WITH A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SCHWARTZ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT 8PM -
CREATED WRITTEN & HOSTED BY SCOTT SIEGEL FOR THE TOWN HALL
(NEW YORK, NY) Jane Olivor, Karen Akers, Marc Kudisch, Liz Callaway, Lari White, Scott Coulter, Jason Graae, Lisa Howard, Steven Lutvak, Chris DiCristo, Julie Garnye, and Carole Schwartz are among today’s most talented stars from the Broadway and cabaret scene to honor famed composer Stephen Schwartz in A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SCHWARTZ on Friday, October 19 at 8pm at The Town Hall as part of the Third Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival October 19-21, 2007. The evening is directed by Scott Coulter with musical direction by Alex Rybeck.
The acclaimed Town Hall festival will host the first-ever major New York gala honoring Schwartz. He will be in attendance to witness the performances of his greatest songs from a career of extraordinary achievements.
“I’ve been planning this tribute to Stephen Schwartz for over a year,” said Scott Siegel. “Stephen graciously changed his plans in order to be at Town Hall on the night of the event and has agreed to perform in the concert, as well. This show will not only feature Stephen’s greatest work, it will also feature entertainers known for performing the best versions of those songs: Karen Akers singing “Chanson,” Liz Callaway singing “Meadowlark,” Marc Kudisch singing “Proud Lady,” and so on. It will be, in short, an unforgettable, emotional, evening full of great music and superb talent.”
Stephen Schwartz has contributed music and/or lyrics to Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker's Wife, Working (which he also adapted and directed), Personals, Rags, Children Of Eden and the current Broadway hit, Wicked. Most recently, he has contributed songs to Mit Eventyr, a musical about Hans Christian Andersen currently playing in Denmark. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein's MASS and wrote the title song for the play and movie Butterflies Are Free. For children, he has written a one-act musical, Captain Louie. For films, he collaborated with Alan Menken on the scores for the Disney animated features Pocahontas and The Hunchback Of Notre Dame and wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince Of Egypt. He provided music and lyrics for the original television musical, Geppetto, and has released two CDs of new songs entitled Reluctant Pilgrim and Uncharted Territory. Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he runs musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles, and is also a member of the Council of the Dramatists' Guild. Mr. Schwartz is the recipient of three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies. http://www.stephenschwartz.com
The Broadway Cabaret Festival at The Town Hall continues on Saturday, October 20 with an AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY and culminates on Sunday, October 21 at 3 PM with BROADWAY ORIGINALS starring such famous Broadway names as Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd), Anita Gillette (Mr. President), Alan Campbell (Sunset Blvd.), Martin Vidnovic (Brigadoon), Brad Oscar (The Producers), George S. Irving (Irene), and a total of about twenty great stars recreating the songs they performed in their original cast productions.
Built in 1921 by a group of suffragettes, The Town Hall began as a lecture hall and public forum for debates. Over the decades, the stage has been graced by Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, Billie Holiday, Igor Stravinsky, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis. Today the hall flourishes as a popular, affordable venue, boasting the hottest acts in rock, pop, folk, cabaret, world music, comedy and dance, including Billy Joel, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, Liza Minnelli, Cyndi Lauper, Norah Jones, Andre Watts, Henry Rollins, Joe Jackson, Pink Martini, Regina Spector, Brian Adams, Aimee Mann and Dawn Upshaw. For over a decade, The Town Hall has hosted live broadcasts of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. Over the past two-and-a-half decades, The Town Hall has produced a number of new and critically acclaimed musical series, which include The Century of Change, Not Just Jazz, Broadway By The Year and The Broadway Cabaret Festival.
In The Town Hall tradition as The People’s Concert Hall, tickets are available at $50 for this all-star weekend through TicketMaster, 212-307-4100, or www.ticketmaster.com, or by visiting the Town Hall Box Office between noon and 6 PM (except Sundays) at 123 West 43rd Street, 212-840-2824 or visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org.
Forbidden Broadway After Party Photo Coverage Part 2.
For the past 25 years Forbidden Broadway has been entertaining theater lovers from all over the World. Scroll down for the most photo coverage of my favorite show. I have seen Forbidden Broadway 69 times over the last 25 years(NO JUDGEMENTS) I am proud to admit I belong to a 12 step program as I am addicted to Forbidden Broadway. Forbidden Broadway has given me 25 years of laughter. Even these photos are funny.
Karen Ziemba and Stephen Schwartz (Who wrote my favorite musical "Pippin" and who got me hooked on theater. (Corner of the Sky is my favorite song) Christine Pedi cuddles up with B Batt- Forbidden Broadway alumni Gerard Alessandrini does The Sondheim version of a cake cutting! Jared Bradshaw and Karen Ziemba
Marni Nixon and Jared Bradshaw I talked to Marni about having a cabaret show at the Metropolitan Room. Hoping it will happen soon. Valerie Fagan and Michael West Jared Bradshaw poses with the cake! Photos by Maryann Lopinto Captions: Corine Cohen
Hoping Forbidden Broadway will live on for at least 25 more years! I adore Forbidden Broadway and had a wonderful evening at this very special anniversary. Cheers to everyone involved in making Forbidden Broadway. It has given me so much joy over the last 25 years.
Forbidden Broadway After Party! Part 1! Happy Anniversary Forbidden Broadway!
James Donegan, Val Fagan, Janet Dickinson and Jared Bradshaw eat some cake! (The sweetest picture of all!!!)
On the 25th Anniversary, Forbidden Broadway had a big party at Planet Hollywood. The passed appetizers were fried perfection but the greatest part of the party was seeing all of the casts of Forbidden Broadway partying and having fun. More photo coverage will come later!
Janet Dickinson,Mo Rocca and James Donegan Photos by Michael Portantiere.
The After party was at Planet Hollywood and many stars stopped by to celebrate 25 years of Forbidden Broadway. Part 1 at the after party:
Photos by Maryann Lopinto. Congratulations are in order for the cast of Forbidden Broadway:
Daniel Reichard got his big break in Forbidden Broadway posing with Chita Rivera. Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera has a lot of significance with Forbidden Broadway. One of the funniest old sketches was called CHITA/RITA. It is still one of my favorites and hopefully they will bring it back. I went to a few earlier previews of RUDE AWAKENING and they had a medley which included CHITA/RITA in the second half of the show. Hope they bring it back as it is classic Forbidden Broadway.
The only thing I am glad they cut was the BEAUTY number. I saw that number over 25 times and it was only funny the first three times I saw it. All I kept saying in my head was will they ever kill this annoying number! They finally did. What a relief!
The cast of Forbidden Broadway are: Jared Bradshaw, Val Fagan, Janet Dickinson and James Donegan who is filling in for Michael West. On Oct 2, 2007 the City named it Forbidden Broadway day! They also named the street Forbidden Broadway. Forbidden Broadway alumni, friends and cast members were on hand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Forbidden Broadway. In attendance was Chita Rivera, Daniel Reichard(Forbidden Broadway alumni from almost every edition of FB) Forbidden Broadway has given this passionate theater goer 25 years of bliss. If you have not seen Forbidden Broadway you need to get a ticket. Call 212-239-6200 or go to the box office and ask for Neil! Thank you, Forbidden Broadway for 25 years of laughter! Photos by Maryann Lopinto Chita Rivera reads for Mayor Bloomberg! The present cast of Forbidden Broadway and some alumni of the original cast with Alvin Colt, Gerard and Producer John Freedson and Chita Rivera! The cast of Forbidden Broadway with costume designer Alvin Colt.
Chita Rivera in front of the new sign. (There is no Broadway like Forbidden Broadway!) Chita Rivera and writer Gerard Alessandrini
Christine Pedi and Chita Rivera The cast of Forbidden Broadway curtain call. Janet Dickinson, Jared Bradshaw Valerie Fagan and James Donegan who is filling in for Michael West.
Forbidden Broadway we hope you will be around another 25 years!
Opening Night Of Forbidden Broadway and After Party!
On the 25th year of Forbidden Broadway I just wanted to post what an exciting night I had. First off it was my first opening night party at FB and it was at Planet Hollywood. Planet Hollywood does a very good job. I loved the space and it was such a friendly party.
I know a lot of the cast and they are all such wonderful people. I got to speak with some of the original cast members who were such sweet people and staytuned for some interviews with the original cast of Forbidden Broadway.
I also chatted with costume designer Alvin Colt who was one of the most gracious people I have ever met.
Chatting with Nora Mae Lyng from the first edition of Forbidden Broadway made my night. She is such a funny lady. She told me a few wonderful stories and I hope to interview her very soon.
I am exhausted. Photo coverage of the street naming, opening night curtain call and the after party will be up later today.
25 YEARS and going strong. I talked to Gerard and told him I hope they have another 25 years and he said "I don't know if I can do it that long" say it isn't so, Gerard! I need 25 years more.
There is no Broadway like Forbidden Broadway!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FORBIDDEN BROADWAY!! 25 YEARS AND STILL FABULOUS!!!
Drama Desk Award- Forbidden Broadway won two and a special Tony!
Hi,
Today is a very special day for theater lovers. Today is the 25th year of my favorite show- if you didn't know it by now here goes: Forbidden Broadway. Today, the little off broadway show will make it's 25th year and today the fabulous Chita Rivera will be reading a proclamation on the Mayor's behalf.
47th street will be called FORBIDDEN BROADWAY WAY! How exciting is that? Not as exciting as the show but still a great honor.
I just wanted to share my feelings about my favorite show. Why is it my favorite? There are many reasons. When the show first came out my Dad and Mom took me and it became a tradition for me and my Dad to see every edition of Forbidden Broadway. It was his favorite show and it became mine. Watching my Dad howl with laughter was a wonderful thing that bonded us. He was very interested in Opera, theater and sports and Opera and theater was the thing that bonded us. Robert Cohen passed in 2001 and ever since I have been going to every edition of Forbidden Broadway in his honor.
I did miss one edition: 2001 A Spoof Odyssey. I sort of took the year off from theater and was in mourning. I hope to do a review of the newest version this week so staytuned. More reviews are coming soon.
I also hope to get photos of the last 25 years and do a short piece about the last 25 fabulous years. Hope to see you at 6 in front of the 47th Street theater. There is no Broadway like Forbidden Broadway even if it is Off Broadway. ;-)
I raise a glass of the finest Pinot Noir in honor of the greatest show on or off broadway. Forbidden Broadway.
THE TOWN HALL PRESENTS THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED 3RD ANNUAL BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL OCTOBER 19-21 CREATED WRITTEN & HOSTED BY SCOTT SIEGEL
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT 8PM - A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SCHWARTZ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 AT 8PM - AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 AT 3PM - BROADWAY ORIGINALS
(NEW YORK, NY) The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street) presents the Third Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival! All Broadway Music! All Broadway Stars! All Weekend Long! October 19-21, 2007. Experience an extravaganza of Broadway talent in three extraordinary cabaret concerts over one unforgettable weekend. From classic favorites to contemporary Broadway, from our newest stars to our venerated icons, this is the Festival New York theatre fans have been waiting for. The series is created, written, and hosted for The Town Hall by Scott Siegel.
The acclaimed festival kicks off on Friday, October 19 at 8pm, as Karen Akers, Liz Callaway, Scott Coulter, Jason Graae, Marc Kudisch, Jane Olivor and Lari White among today’s most talented Broadway stars honor Stephen Schwartz. This first-ever New York gala is a tribute to the famed composer of such timeless hits as Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, Working, and most recently Wicked! Winner of four Grammys, three Oscars and countless theatre awards, Schwartz will be in attendance to witness the performances of his greatest songs from a career of extraordinary achievements.
Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley makes her Town Hall debut on Saturday, October 20 at 8pm. Through her dazzling work in such musicals as Sunset Boulevard, Cats, 1776, Carrie, Song & Dance, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Pippin, Tony Award winner Betty Buckley is one of a small handful of performers synonymous with Broadway. Her voice has been stopping the hearts of concert and theatergoers for years.
Like having your musical theatre CD collection come to life is Broadway Originals – an unforgettable afternoon on Sunday, October 21 at 3pm, of Broadway songs and memories featuring a dazzling array of Broadway performers Len Cariou, Alan Campbell, Anita Gillette, George S. Irving and Martin Vidnovic, reprising songs they introduced either in original Broadway productions or Broadway revivals. Witness the performances – and the performers – that have lit up Broadway these past 50 years. This is your chance to experience the performances that the original audiences saw: or if you were lucky enough to see them the first time, your chance to relive them.
Built in 1921 by a group of suffragettes, The Town Hall began as a lecture hall and public forum for debates. Over the decades, the stage has been graced by Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, Billie Holiday, Igor Stravinsky, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis. Today the hall flourishes as a popular, affordable venue, boasting the hottest acts in rock, pop, folk, cabaret, world music, comedy and dance, including Billy Joel, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, Liza Minnelli, Cyndi Lauper, Norah Jones, Andre Watts, Henry Rollins, Joe Jackson, Pink Martini, Regina Spector, Brian Adams, Aimee Mann and Dawn Upshaw. For over a decade, The Town Hall has hosted live broadcasts of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. Over the past two-and-a-half decades, The Town Hall has produced a number of new and critically acclaimed musical series, which include The Century of Change, Not Just Jazz, Broadway By The Year and The Broadway Cabaret Festival.
In The Town Hall tradition as The People’s Concert Hall, tickets are available at $50 for this all-star weekend through TicketMaster, 212-307-4100, or www.ticketmaster.com, or by visiting the Town Hall Box Office between noon and 6 PM (except Sundays) at 123 West 43rd Street, 212-840-2824 or visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org
Battman Chef And Book Signing Event At Trump Tower!
A few posts ago I talked about the fantastic food and wine event I attended at the fabulous Trump Tower Grill. This event was outstanding. Check out a few photos of this event.
There is even a photo of Donald Trump who made a brief appearance. I was suppossed to do video interviews at this event but sadly the camera man over at Times Square forgot to bring a charged battery. (All I can say it "Sucks to be C")
In any event I will be adding a lot of Chef interviews on this site in the very near future. So if you are interested in food coverage, Corinescorner.com is the place to be.
