Cy Coleman News

As a teen in Tulsa, Oklahoma who aspired to be a dramatic actor, Chicago-born Jason Graae was advised to 'Be a Clown' and to 'Make 'em Laugh'. Not everyone can fill the shoes of a clown; those shoes are pretty damn big. But for Graae, whose mind never stops clicking with its razor-sharp wit, fierce timing and shotgun-speed spontaneity, clowning seemed the natural choice, and thank heaven for us, he not only followed through but has turned into one of the most endearing comic performers the world has ever known. On Monday March 10, Graae premiered his brand new cabaret show 49 1/2 Shades of Graae at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal to an ecstatic packed house. Introducing his material, he said it was based on the porn novel 50 Shades of Grey, but...'This is gonna be dirtier.' 'Dirty' in Graae terminology means... yes, indeed, some smut thrown in, but with a whole lot of charm, pizazz and miles and miles of genuine humor. There are a few serious scenarios included in the mostly autobiographical show, but every one with heart and banners waving high. And when I mean autobiographical, there are not only career stories but personal anecdotes as well. Expertly staged by Heather Lee and with fab musical direction from John Boswell, the evening was, to quote Graae, in an improv-takeoff of my supposed BWW review, 'the best show I saw in NoHo all day...' and for those lucky enough to get reservations, it will repeat next Sunday March 16.

It may just be that Charity Hope Valentine is the unluckiest romantic in New York City. Audiences are invited to follow her warm, touching and humorous story when the Oakland University Theatre program presents a production of the musical 'Sweet Charity' from Thursday, March 20, through Sunday, March 30 in Varner Studio Theatre.

Lincoln Center has announced an exciting lineup of events for April 2014.

On Monday, March 3, singer/pianist Billy Stritch debuted the first of two Birdland concerts called "I've Got Your Number - The Jazz of Cy Coleman." The next show will take place at the historic music room this coming Monday, March 10 at 7pm. Scroll down for photos!

Norm Lewis makes his eagerly anticipated solo debut at American Songbook on Saturday night at 8:30pm. The show is SOLD OUT, and has been for weeks, and he has been in what he calls 'training' for the last few months. His musical director is Joseph Joubert (Motown, The Color Purple, Violet, Leap of Faith) and the evening is directed by Richard Jay-Alexander., for whom Norm did 'Javert' along with Hugh Panaro as 'Valjean' in last summer's blockbuster success of LES MISERABLES at The Muny in St. Louis.

January and February have seen sell-out performances at the Crazy Coqs and March and April look set to continue the trend.

Birdland Jazz Club has announced their wonderful line-up of excellent talent for March 10-16. Birdland will kick-off their outstanding week of programming with the following acts:

This March, April and May at 54 BELOW presents a lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) tonight, February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents RANDY GRAFF: MADE IN BROOKLYN on Wednesday, March 5 at 9:30 p.m. What do George Gershwin, Carole King, Betty Comden, Harry Nilsson, Barry Manilow, and Barbra Whatsername have in common? They were all born in BROOKLYN!

NYC's favorite babysitter, Sally Schwab, is back by popular demand with more hilarious anecdotes, high-octane vocals, and too-bizarre-to-be-true stories of her 'ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING'. Written with and directed by Back Stage Bistro award winner and 3 time Drama Desk nominee Tom D'Angora (NEWSical the Musical, Naked Boys Singing!, and Divas I've Done), this 60 minute show follows a young wide-eyed aspiring actress as she navigates the insane world of auditions, cruise ships, children's theatre, 'Camp Broadway', and her go-to survival job of raising NYC's most...colorful...children.

NYC's favorite babysitter, Sally Schwab, is back by popular demand with more hilarious anecdotes, high-octane vocals, and too-bizarre-to-be-true stories of her 'ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING'. Written with and directed by Back Stage Bistro award winner and 3 time Drama Desk nominee Tom D'Angora (NEWSical the Musical, Naked Boys Singing!, and Divas I've Done), this 60 minute show follows a young wide-eyed aspiring actress as she navigates the insane world of auditions, cruise ships, children's theatre, 'Camp Broadway', and her go-to survival job of raising NYC's most...colorful...children.

THE COLUMN Awards honors excellence in theater (Equity and Non-Equity) within the Dallas-Fort Worth Theatre community. The gala is open to the general public and will be held Monday February 24, 2014 at the Patty Granville Performing Arts Center. Cocktail reception at 7:00pm, curtain at 8:00pm. For ticket and all other info go to: www.thecolumnawards.org.

Birdland Jazz Club has announced their line-up of talent for March 3-9. Birdland will kick-off their excellent week of programming with the following acts:

Birdland Jazz Club's March 2014 schedule will feature Quest: with Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, Ron McClure & Billy Hart, Billy Hart Quartet, Kevin Mahogany, Cheyenne Jackson; Now This: with Gary Peacock, Marc Copland & Joey Baron, Bill Charlap Trio, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Billy Stritch; and more! Check out full details below!

The award-winning WFHS Theatre program continues its reputation of stellar song and dance with the musical comedy classic, SWEET CHARITY. This razzle-dazzle tale of optimism through adversity explodes onto the West Fargo High School stage for six performances, tonight, February 14, 15, 21, & 22 at 7:30pm and February 16 & 23 at 2:30pm.

According to an interview in the LA Times, Peter Gallagher is set to join Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth in the upcoming revival of ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY this fall.

As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, actor and comedian Sid Caesar passed away on February 12 in his home. He was 91 years old. BroadwayWorld remembers the legend below.

According to published reports, actor and comedian Sid Caesar passed away today, February 12, in his home. He was 91 years old.

Today we are talking to a legendary leading lady famous for a few of the most iconic roles in some of the most memorable musicals of the 1980s and 1990s as well as a versatile vocalist and concert performer set to make her cabaret debut later this month - the ingratiating and amusing Randy Graff. Looking back at originating the role of Fantine in the original Broadway production of mega-hit mega musical LES MISERABLES and singing the unforgettable 'I Dreamed A Dream' eight times a week (and on the best-selling cast recording) as well as recounting her Tony Award-winning work in the endlessly entertaining Cy Coleman/David Zippel musical comedy CITY OF ANGELS, Graff share stories from behind the scenes and gives us a rare look at theatrical history in the making and her elemental role in both productions. Additionally, Graff opens up about some of her other most fondly remembered work, including her fantastic turn in Ed Kleban's A CLASS ACT, William Finn's FALSETTOS, Cole Porter's HIGH SOCIETY, the stage play and documentary MOON OVER BUFFALO co-starring Carol Burnett, the most recent revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and much more. Most importantly, Graff generously outlines what we can expect from her upcoming solo shows at NYC hotspot 54 Below titled MADE IN BROOKLYN, in what will actually be the stalwart star's solo show premiere. In addition to all of that, Graff also touches upon some of her big screen and small screen work, ranging from LAW & ORDER to RENT, as well as recounts some theatrical tales involving theatre greats such as Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, John Simon and more. All of that and much, much more awaits in this rich resume recounting retrospective with one of Broadway's best!