Rita McKenzie News

Everything's coming up Merman from August 21-24, 2014, as Stoneham Theatre presents Ethel Merman's Broadway, the Award-Winning, critically acclaimed musical celebration of Broadway's greatest singer: Ethel Merman! Stage and TV star Rita McKenzie recreates the amazing life of 'La Merm,' with songs from such hit musicals as Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Hello, Dolly!, and more. You'll hear all of Merman's hits-such iconic songs as: 'I Got Rhythm'; 'I Get a Kick Out of You'; 'Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries'; 'Everything's Coming Up Roses'; and, of course, 'There's No Business Like Show Business.'

Everything's coming up Merman from August 21-24, 2014, as Stoneham Theatre presents Ethel Merman's Broadway, the Award-Winning, critically acclaimed musical celebration of Broadway's greatest singer: Ethel Merman! Stage and TV star Rita McKenzie recreates the amazing life of 'La Merm,' with songs from such hit musicals as Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Hello, Dolly!, and more. You'll hear all of Merman's hits-such iconic songs as: 'I Got Rhythm'; 'I Get a Kick Out of You'; 'Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries'; 'Everything's Coming Up Roses'; and, of course, 'There's No Business Like Show Business.'

Tina Denmark, the diabolically talented tyke in the award-winning musical Ruthless! returns to New York for nine performances only to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on September 5-6; 8; 12-13; 15; 19-20 and 22, 2014 at 7:00pm. Performances will be held at Stage 72 at The Triad (158 W 72nd St, NYC).

Season 15 at Stoneham Theatre has gotten even more exciting with the addition of several concerts and special events. 'There is a little something for everyone in the line-up,' said Producing Artistic Director Weylin Symes. 'We have a little bit of Broadway, some world-class jazz, a family-friendly new play, and the return of two acts that are Stoneham Theatre favorites. We love being able to offer our audiences a chance to experience these fantastic attractions up-close and personal in our intimate, theatrical setting.'

It was a pleasure to return to Kritzerland Sunday July 6 for its 47th show saluting Off-Broadway shows: Kritzerland Goes Off-Broadway. Featured were stalwart hits: Hair, Ruthless!, Little Mary Sunshine, Dames at Sea, Falsettos, The Fantasticks and more recent hits such as Floyd Collins, Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years and Dogfight. With Bruce Kimmel as host, in dandy form as usual with his amazing trivia notes in between numbers, and sensational musical director John Boswell at the piano, the show got off to a rousing start with young Brennley Brown belting out 'Born to Entertain' from Ruthless! Also on the bill for the evening were the wonderful: Robert Yacko, Madison Claire Parks, Kim Huber, young folks Jenna Lee Rosen, Sami Staitman and special guest stars Jason Graae and Rita McKenzie.

Whether you've been living under a rock for the past week or you're just in the mood for a recap, BroadwayWorld's 'This Week in Pictures' is here to satisfy your end-of-the-week fix! Take a look below to catch up on the latest happenings from the Great White Way to The West End (and everywhere in between) with coverage of press events, rehearsals, opening nights and more. Highlights this week include Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess's first bow in PHANTOM, the 2014 Drama Desk nominees, BroadwayWorld's own concert at Joe's Pub, and more!

On Sunday, BroadwayWorld produced an elegant and elaborate celebration all about the man behind the music for such legendary and unforgettable musicals as GYPSY, FUNNY GIRL, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, PETER PAN and many more - the incomparable Jule Styne - all to honor the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of America. It was an unforgettable night, as those in the audience and watching the livestream can attest, and we have already provided multiple exclusive and extensive looks behind the scenes (here and here) showcasing the sights and sounds of the night and the preparation for it, kicking off earlier this week with some fabulous photo sets provided by our esteemed team of photographers, and today we bring you an all access pass to view the onstage action, as well. BroadwayWorld's own Pat Cerasaro created and directed the evening, with expert musical direction provided by the superb Phil Hall. Without a doubt, the astonishing array of performers appearing truly could not have been more delightful or magnificent - both onstage and off - and the marvelous Styne melodies were grandly served by that stalwart collection of Broadway's best, performing hits such as 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend', 'Don't Rain On My Parade', 'People', 'Never Never Land' and more.

Last night, BroadwayWorld produced an elegant and elaborate celebration all about the man behind the music for such legendary and unforgettable musicals as GYPSY, FUNNY GIRL, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, PETER PAN and many more - the incomparable Jule Styne - all to honor the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of America.

So, now, we share with you a look behind the scenes at the creative team and performers before they went onstage at the hallowed Joe's Pub for the fantastic show, EVERYTHING'S COMING UP BROADWAYWORLD.COM: A JULE STYNE TRIBUTE. Enjoy!

On Sunday, May 11th, 2014 at 7:00pm, BroadwayWorld.com will continue its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting an all-star tribute concert and benefit celebrating the music of incomparable multi-award-winning composer Jule Styne, while also honoring Mother's Day, raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

On Sunday, May 11th, 2014 at 7:00pm, BroadwayWorld.com will continue its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting an all-star tribute concert and benefit celebrating the music of incomparable multi-award-winning composer Jule Styne, while also honoring Mother's Day, raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

On Sunday, May 11th, 2014 at 7:00pm, BroadwayWorld.com will continue its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting an all-star tribute concert and benefit celebrating the music of incomparable multi-award-winning composer Jule Styne, while also honoring Mother's Day and raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and, today, we offer you a first glimpse at the eye-grabbing, elegant and evocative poster created by gifted designer Alex Botero.

BroadwayWorld is thrilled to announce that recognizable TV and theatre actress and world renowned Ethel Merman tribute artist Rita McKenzie has joined the line-up of EVERYTHING'S COMING UP BROADWAYWORLD.COM: A JULE STYNE TRIBUTE.

Today, we are priveleged and humbled to announce that legendary four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway and Hollywood icon Liza Minnelli has agreed to join the starry roster of leading ladies and gentlemen already confirmed for EVERYTHING'S COMING UP BROADWAYWORLD.COM: A JULE STYNE TRIBUTE and honor the classic composer with a Styne showstopper as only she can do.

On Sunday, May 11th, 2014 at 7:00pm, BroadwayWorld.com will continue its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting an all-star tribute concert and benefit celebrating the music of incomparable multi-award-winning composer Jule Styne, while also honoring Mother's Day, raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Broadway favorites The Midtown Men just played New York City last night, January 12 . BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the special event below!

The writer who gave television some of its favorite moments in entertainment with 'Flamingo Road,' 'Dallas,' 'Falcon Crest,' 'The Colbys,' 'General Hospital,' and 'Dynasty,' Frank V. Furino, has brought Marilyn Monroe back to life ... on stage in 'Marylin ... MADNESS & Me,' which is based on an original concept by Didier Bloch, under the direction of Joe Leonardo. Opening in the Monroe Forum at the El Portal Theatre on Sept 26th for a limited run, the overwhelming response from the public and press alike, has resulted in the production's extension through October 20th, 2013, at which point the destiny of the show, with an eye on Broadway's Great White Way, will be determined. Scroll down for photos from the show!

Kritzerland at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal presents its third anniversary show, THE SONGS THAT GOT AWAY - II, set for Sunday, September 1, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

From Kristin Chenoweth to Deborah Cox to Idina Menzel to Barbra Streisand to Michael Crawford to the Ladies of THE VIEW to Adam Pascal, Patti LuPone, Raul Esparza, Alan Menken, Lea Salonga, Bernadette Peters, Laura Osnes, Victoria Clark, GLEE and Everything in Between - It's the BroadwayWorld.com 2013 Valentine's Day Special - It's the Biggest Ever!