David Friedman News

Sometimes a production comes along that finds the perfect synergy between content, cast and creative vision ultimately delivering an elevated theatrical experience. And when that show is lesser known, but wildly entertaining that makes this perfect alignment seem even more rare. I am thrilled to say that The Winter Park Playhouse has found just such a production in DESPERATE MEASURES, the final offering in its 20th season. This rollicking, hilarious and superbly performed musical comedy is sure to thrill and shows off why The Winter Park Playhouse is truly a gem in the Orlando theatre community.

Berlin-based marimba and vibraphone virtuoso Taiko Saito has been awarded the Jazzpreis Berlin 2023 from Der Rundfunk Berlin-rbbKultur and the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion. The EUR 15,000 prize will be awarded during a concert on July 3 at 8 p.m. in Studio 14 of the rbb, and the concert will be broadcast live on the rbbKultur radio station.

Summer Theatre of New Canaan (CT) Honorees: Broadway/Movie composer, Songwriter, Music Director David Friedman and Lighting Designer Paul Gallo, who has lit over 50 Broadway shows

Closing the highly successful Winter Park Playhouse 20th Anniversary Series, the Off-Broadway hit - Desperate Measures - makes its way to the theatre's Mainstage May 12 - June 11, 2023. 

The theater community rallied together once again with spirited skits, dynamic dance and brilliant bonnets as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Easter Bonnet Competition returned April 24 and 25, 2023. The performances celebrated in-theater Red Bucket appeals that raised $3,601,355 for meals and medication, health care and hope for those who need them most.

Stars, standouts and the most sensational ensembles of Broadway will unveil their best bonnets and skits at next week’s long-awaited return of the Easter Bonnet Competition! See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

Check out photos from the red carpet of the 37th annual MAC Awards!

See photos of Karen Mason's return to Birdland!

BIRDLAND THEATER will present The Kinsey Sicks – America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet – in the world premiere of “Drag Queen Storytime Gone WILD!” on Monday, April 10 at 8:30 PM.

One-time New York cabaret artist and alumn of both the New York City and Chicago Cabaret Conventions Robert Whorton will make an appearance at the Nashville Jazz Workshop on March 16th

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present Anita Gillette and Penny Fuller – two of Broadway’s most beloved Tony Award-nominated performers – in their latest show “Sin Twisters: The Next Frontier” on Monday, April 17 at 7:00 PM.

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present Karen Mason in an encore presentation of her show “Kander & Ebb… And All That Jazz” on Monday, March 20 at 7:00 PM.

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the debut performance of “The Brat Pack” — featuring Broadway stars Kathryn Allison, Sam Gravitte, Luke Hawkins, and Jelani Remy – on Monday, March 13 at 7:00 PM.

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Jason Yeager – celebrating his recording Unstuck in Time: The Kurt Vonnegut Suite – with an album release concert on Monday, March 27 at 7:00 PM.

KAREN MASON is back!  Missed this show the first time?  After sold-out shows in 2022 at the legendary BIRDLAND, she returns on March 20, 2023 at 7PM for one night only with her critically-acclaimed show of the music of John Kander & Fred Ebb.

​​​​​​​MARIA CORSARO poses the musical question, WHY NOT?, in an evening of swing, ballad, bossa, and bebop at Chelsea Table + Stage on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:00 PM.

New York Festival of Song (NYFOS), led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, presents its annual holiday show, A Goyishe Christmas to You! on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 7:00pm at Merkin Hall's Upper Lobby at the Kaufman Music Center.

Broadway pianist/ composer/ all-around host Seth Rudetsky returns to The Wallis with his signature concert series, this time with Tony Award winner Lillias White November 3, 2022. The always working Seth managed to spare a few moments to answer some of my queries.

Harold Sanditen's Open Mic Highlights is an offshoot of Crazy Coqs's longest-running show, Harold Sanditen's Open Mic Party, which, in the last ten years, has attracted more than 4,000 singers from over 50 countries and all continents, other than Antarctica!

Ann Kittredge will return to The Laurie Beechman Theatre (407 West 42nd Street – between 9th & 10th Avenues) on Sunday, October 23rd at 7pm with her Musical Director Christopher Denny (piano), Sean Harkness (guitar), Mary Ann McSweeney (bass), Rex Benincasa(drums) and special guests Robbie Kondor and Steve Ross.