Gary Kupper News

The impetus behind ROCK AND ROLL MAN: THE ALAN FREED STORY was not the Freed family. Gary Kupper was approached by Larry Marshak, with whom he had worked for many years, about a third party's desire to do a story about Alan Freed as a 'jukebox musical'. The intention was that Kupper might be able to write a couple of songs for the piece. Kupper realized that Freed's story is a classic one. A rise and fall and then redemption story that can't be told as a jukebox musical because Alan Freed wasn't a singer. He feels that a jukebox musical would have cheated the story. This is the story of this man, and the story of Rock-and-Roll. That notion gave birth to the 'book musical'. In 2011, Kupper started writing original songs and sometime later, the team started writing the script. Freed's son, Lance, stepped-in and helped to secure the rights to the Rock-and-Roll classics. They have combined the music of the era with storytelling. They admit it's both risky and tricky and has never really been done to the extent that it is in this show. Thirty to thirty-five original songs were written, most of which were thrown out. A little more than a dozen are in the current iteration of the show.

There is a lot to like packed into this production directed by Randal Myler. The action is well paced and well-staged. The use of turntables, tiering, and scrims are particularly effective elements of the scenic design by Tim Mackabee. The choreography by Brian Reeder, and costumes designed by Leon Dobkowski present a feast for the eyes. The entire 19-members of the cast deliver in acting, singing, and dancing. It would be an oversight not to call out the performance of Richard Crandle. His portrayal of Little Richard is brassy, sassy, and all kinds of Woooooooo. The audience is noticeably energized when Crandle is on stage and few wish he would 'shet-up' as if that were even remotely possible.

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield

The Berkshire Theatre Group cast of Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story had their first read through earlier this week in New York City! Rock and Roll Man is being presented by Berkshire Theatre Group, in association with five-time Tony Award-Winning Caiola Productions (Once on this Island, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, All The Way, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf). Rock and Roll Man has a book by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak and Rose Caiola, with original music and lyrics by Gary Kupper.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Mosaic Dance Theater Company (MDTC), in association with Mount St. Dominic Academy, presents two performances of original dance works from the repertory, highlighting the diverse dance styles and folklore of the Mediterranean countries of North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. The program will be presented at the Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center at Mount St. Dominic Academy, 3 Ryerson Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Mosaic Dance Theater Company (MDTC), in association with Mount St. Dominic Academy, presents two performances of original dance works from the repertory, highlighting the diverse dance styles and folklore of the Mediterranean countries of North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. The program will be presented at the Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center at Mount St. Dominic Academy, 3 Ryerson Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006.

A bevy of New York talent and Broadway producers mingled with guests in New Hope, PA, during the cast party held at Hotel du Village following the opening night performance of 'Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story', a Caiola Production, making its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse through October 1, 2017. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening festivities below!

'Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story' is making its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse through October 1, 2017. The high energy musical drama stars Tony-nominee Alan Campbell ('Sunset Blvd.') as Alan Freed and multiple-Emmy nominee George Wendt (Norm from 'Cheers') as J. Edgar Hoover. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

On September 6, members of the cast of 'Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story' held a special preview for the press at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below!

The Players Club of Swarthmore's Children's Theater Series ends their summer series with  musical comedy,  Freckleface Strawberry, directed by Alexandra Greene.  Performances are August 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24  at 7 p.m.  on the Raymond W. Smith Stage at Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children and free for children under age 3. Buy tickets at www.pcstheater.org or at the door. Running time is 50 minutes.

Bucks County Playhouse has announced the world premiere production of a new musical, 'Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story.' The musical will begin performances on September 12 and run through October 1, with an official opening night on September 16.

Bergen Performing Arts Center located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey presents So Good For The Soul: A Tribute to the Music of Motown-Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 8PM.

New shows on sale this week at bergenPAC...

New shows on sale this week at bergenPAC...

Award-winning playwright Lynda Crawford's new play Familiar Strangers will have a staged reading at Planet Connections Theatre Festivity on Wednesday, July 6th at 1:30 pm followed by a talk-back. The play was inspired by the book Stranger to the System: Life Portraits of a NYC Homeless Community (Curbside Press) by Jim Flynn. The reading is directed by Terry Greiss, who is the co-founder of Irondale Ensemble Project.

 Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' production of Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical, reminds audiences that what makes us different makes us special! Based on the book by Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore, the whole family will love this hour-long musical full of fun, friends and freckles! Extended by popular demand, read the book then see it LIVE on stage at Walnut Street Theatre March 31st through April 16th, 2016.

 Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' production of Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical, reminds audiences that what makes us different makes us special! Based on the book by Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore, the whole family will love this hour-long musical full of fun, friends and freckles! Extended by popular demand, read the book then see it LIVE on stage at Walnut Street Theatre March 31st through April 16th, 2016.

 Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' production of Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical, reminds audiences that what makes us different makes us special! Based on the book by Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore, the whole family will love this hour-long musical full of fun, friends and freckles! Extended by popular demand, read the book then see it LIVE on stage at Walnut Street Theatre March 31st through April 16th, 2016.

Two major new works will premiere in the award-winning Mosaic Dance Theater Company's (MDTC) annual concert in Essex County, N.J. The program will be presented at Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College, 449 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, N.J. 07003.