Ricky Ian Gordon News

Join Encompass for this spectacular one night only benefit event in a unique Tribeca penthouse with a grand outdoor terrace featuring panoramic NYC views, to take place at 66 Leonard Street, New York, NY 10013 (between Church Street & Broadway) in the penthouse of Mr. Chip Seelig. In addition to an evening of great entertainment, guests can also expect savory hors d'oeuvres and enjoy wines from Mr. Seelig's private collection.

Legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker (1920-1955) was “a genius who lived fast and died young, revolutionizing an art form in a few short years” (NPR). The Grammy Award-winning bebop legend is the subject of Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD, the first world premiere in almost four decades for Opera Philadelphia, recognized by Opera News as “one of the leading instigators of new work in the country.” The new chamber opera was created for American tenor Lawrence Brownlee, a nominee for the 2015 International Opera Male Singer of the Year Award, by composer Daniel Schnyder, whose “thrilling classical-tinged jazz blend…constantly pushes the envelope” (Jazz Times), to a libretto by award-winning poet and playwright Bridgette Wimberly. Directed by Ron Daniels under the leadership of Music Director Corrado Rovaris, Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD premieres in Opera Philadelphia's Aurora Series for Chamber Opera, crowning the company's 40th Anniversary Season with a five-performance run in the Kimmel Center's intimate Perelman Theater (June 5–14). Tickets are available from Ticket Philadelphia at 215.893.1018 or operaphila.org.

Legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker (1920-1955) was "a genius who lived fast and died young, revolutionizing an art form in a few short years" (NPR). The Grammy Award-winning bebop legend is the subject of Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD, the first world premiere in almost four decades for Opera Philadelphia, recognized by Opera News as "one of the leading instigators of new work in the country." The new chamber opera was created for American tenor Lawrence Brownlee, a nominee for the 2015 International Opera Male Singer of the Year Award, by composer Daniel Schnyder, whose "thrilling classical-tinged jazz blend…constantly pushes the envelope" (Jazz Times), to a libretto by award-winning poet and playwright Bridgette Wimberly. Directed by Ron Daniels under the leadership of Music Director Corrado Rovaris, Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD premieres in Opera Philadelphia's Aurora Series for Chamber Opera, crowning the company's 40th Anniversary Season with a five-performance run in the Kimmel Center's intimate Perelman Theater (June 5-14). Tickets are available from Ticket Philadelphia at 215.893.1018 or operaphila.org.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents an evening with Jessica Molaskey, singing your favorites of Joni Mitchell. Tonight, May 30, 2015 8:00 PM at Victoria Theater. Get your tickets now at NJPAC.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) Hear Molaskey's exciting interpretations of all your Joni Mitchell favorites, from 'Blue' to 'Big Yellow Taxi,' accompanied by world-class musicians and special guest vocalists Madeleine Pizzarelli and Julia Gargano.

Nancy Rhodes, artistic director of Encompass New Opera Theatre, announced today that cabaret and Broadway star Jason Graae will be the featured performer at the Encompass Jazz Cabaret Gala in Manhattan on June 29th, 2015. 

The Los Angeles Master Chorale wraps its 51st season with a compelling program showcasing the boundless harmonic imaginations of American composer Eric Whitacre, a noted pioneer who has embraced the artistic potential of social media, and the music of Estonian "mystic minimalist" Arvo Part, celebrated for his beautifully sensuous and reflective chant-like compositions, today, May 16, 2 pm, and Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 7 pm, at Walt Disney Concert Hall. 

Gotham Chamber Opera announces Edward Barnes as the company's new Executive Director, effective June 1, 2015. Mr. Barnes will succeed Gotham's previous executive director, David Bennett, who will become general director of the San Diego Opera. In addition, David Rubeo has been promoted to Associate Director.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents an evening with Jessica Molaskey, singing your favorites of Joni Mitchell. Saturday, May 30, 2015 8:00 PM at Victoria Theater. Get your tickets now at NJPAC.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) Hear Molaskey's exciting interpretations of all your Joni Mitchell favorites, from 'Blue' to 'Big Yellow Taxi,' accompanied by world-class musicians and special guest vocalists Madeleine Pizzarelli and Julia Gargano.

Penguin Rep Theatre's 2015 season officially begins tonight, May 15, 2015, with the New York premiere of Small World by Frederick Stroppel, directed by artistic director Joe Brancato.

Legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker (1920-1955) was “a genius who lived fast and died young, revolutionizing an art form in a few short years” (NPR). The Grammy Award-winning bebop legend is the subject of Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD, the first world premiere in almost four decades for Opera Philadelphia, recognized by Opera News as “one of the leading instigators of new work in the country.” The new chamber opera was created for American tenor Lawrence Brownlee, a nominee for the 2015 International Opera Male Singer of the Year Award, by composer Daniel Schnyder, whose “thrilling classical-tinged jazz blend…constantly pushes the envelope” (Jazz Times), to a libretto by award-winning poet and playwright Bridgette Wimberly. Directed by Ron Daniels under the leadership of Music Director Corrado Rovaris, Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD premieres in Opera Philadelphia's Aurora Series for Chamber Opera, crowning the company's 40th Anniversary Season with a five-performance run in the Kimmel Center's intimate Perelman Theater (June 5–14). Tickets are available from Ticket Philadelphia at 215.893.1018 or operaphila.org.

The Chorale was previously honored with the organization's ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming three times in 1995, 2003 and 2010, the Education and Community Engagement Award twice in 2000 and 2008, and also earned Chorus America's prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence in 2012.

Stephanie Blythe--who's at the Met these days singing Baba the Turk in Stravinsky's THE RAKE'S PROGRESS--“abhors labels.” That's why, despite a cavernous voice that has become even deeper with age and could easily be termed mezzo or contralto, she tells me to call her “a girl singer.”

Penguin Rep Theatre's 2015 season officially begins May 15, 2015, with the New York premiere of Small World by Frederick Stroppel, directed by artistic director Joe Brancato.

Audra McDonald performs tonight, April 29, 2015 in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. She will be joined by music director and pianist Andy Einhorn, bassist Mark Vanderpoel, and drummer Gene Lewin.

The Los Angeles Master Chorale wraps its 51st season with a compelling program showcasing the boundless harmonic imaginations of American composer Eric Whitacre, a noted pioneer who has embraced the artistic potential of social media, and the music of Estonian "mystic minimalist" Arvo Part, celebrated for his beautifully sensuous and reflective chant-like compositions, on Saturday, May 16, 2 pm, and Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 7 pm, at Walt Disney Concert Hall. 

Soprano Talya Lieberman and baritone Edward Nelson, joined on piano by former San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow Allen Perriello end the 32nd season of the Schwabacher Debut Recitals on Sunday, May 3 at Temple Emanu-El's Martin Meyer Sanctuary. The Merola Opera Program alumni will present an eclectic program showcasing works by Nico Muhly, Francis Poulenc, Henry Purcell, Franz Schubert and Kurt Weill. Also on the program, will be works of popular German lieder as well as poems by noted American female poets set to music by American composers.

This spring, LA Opera presents one of the most offbeat works the company has ever offered: the Los Angeles premiere of Patrick Morganelli's Hercules vs. Vampires. A mashup of contemporary music and midcentury pop culture, Hercules vs. Vampires combines a new operatic score performed live in synch with a screening of the great Italian filmmaker Mario Bava's 1961 sword-and-sandal epicErcole al centro della terra, best known to American audiences as Hercules in the Haunted World. To watch the trailer forHercules vs. Vampires, click here.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Lyric's 'Carousel' and the 'Sound Of Music' movie keep R&H front and center, plus 'Show Boat' from San Francisco and 'The Wiz,' 'Rocky Horror' and 'Grease' coming on television. COT has Ricky Ian Gordon, the Royal George has Louis Prima, more 'First Date' and 'Ordinary Days,' 'On Your Feet' and Broadway In Chicago's summer concert get set, and more!

Tony and Emmy Award winner Tyne Daly, Tony Award winner Harriet Harris, Sierra Boggess and Lisa Howard head an outstanding cast in It Shoulda Been You, the hilarious and heartwarming new musical comedy that proves when it comes to wedding day insanity, everything is relative. It Shoulda Been You, which had a sold-out premiere at New Jersey's George Street Playhouse, officially opens tonight, April 14, 2015 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Scroll down to learn more about the cast, plus watch interviews with the company!