William Blake News

Whidbey Island Fringe Festival presents an evocative new play written and directed by local playwright and actor Gail Fleming. Outsider, opens July 27 and runs through August 5, 2012, with an art show on July 27.

Back by popular demand, the Broadway at Birdland concert series is has anounced the return of William Blake in "Echoes of Etta," a musical tribute to Etta James, on Monday, August 20 at 7pm.

Jenna gives a rundown of where she's been and what's coming up in the world of cabaret (and sometimes beyond!) Today's column features the fabulous William Blake and his tribute to Etta James.

WIFF is proud to present an evocative new play written and directed by local playwright and actor Gail Fleming. Outsider, opening July 27 and runs through August 5, 2012, with an art show on July 27.

On Monday night, the Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud to present Jeremy Kushnier in concert. His special musical guests included former leading ladies Jennifer Laura Thompson, Tarea Campbell, wife Jenny Lee Stern and his co-star in the current Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Paul Nolan. Sonny Paladino was musical director for the evening.

On Monday night, Jim Caruso's Cast Party was a hotbed of activity, and not just because of the summer temperature! The jam-packed house was thrilled to celebrate the cast of Closer Than Ever, the Matlby-Shire musical review starring Jenn Colella, Christiane Noll, Sal Viviano and George Dvorskey, accompanied by Andrew Gerle. A few lucky (and knowledgeable) audience members even won tickets to the show.

On Monday, June 4, singer William Blake brought down the house in his third R&B-infused concert at for the Broadway at Birdland series. The show, 'Echoes of Etta,' celebrated the musical legacy of Etta James, and included her first #1 hit, 'The Wallflower (Roll With Me, Henry),' her quintessential 'At Last,' and rare interview recordings of the star. The band included Michael Thomas Murray on piano and Fender Rhodes, Oscar Bautista on guitar, Mike Preen on bass, Steve Kelly on drums, Matthew Polashek on sax. 'The Peaches' included Shira Elias, Ashley Betton and Stephany Mora.

LOST IN LOVE - a new musical based on the hit songs of Air Supply, which held an industry-only reading in April, plays again at the Triad Theatre tonight, June 5. The cast includes Tony-nominated actor Constantine Maroulis ('Rock of Ages,' 'American Idol') and Andrea McArdle, Broadway's original 'Annie.' Graham Russell of Air Supply will be performing on guitar and Russell Hitchcock will also be in attendance.

Nicholas Rodriguez, known to soap audiences as Nick Chavez on ABC's 'One Life to Live' for which he received a GLAAD Media Award, has joined the cast of 'LOST IN LOVE' the Air Supply musical for the sold-out staged reading on June 5 to benefit The Actors Fund. Rodriguez replaces Justin Matthew Sargent, who had a scheduling conflict.

On Monday, May 28, YouTube sensation, chanteuse and high-end vocal coach Miranda Sings made her tenth sold-out concert appearance as part of the Broadway at Birdland series. Seth Rudetsky acted as musical director/pianist, jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein got some brush-up suggestions from 'violimnist' Miranda, and Adam Pascal, currently starring on Broadway in Memphis, subjected himself to the diva's sensitive and pitch-perfect critiques. As always, the show was filled with improvisation, a few hit songs, magic tricks, and dramatic readings of the lady's own hate mail. The wacked-out superstar (in reality, California native Colleen Ballinger) continues to perform her one-woman show in sold-out nightclubs and theaters in New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dublin, and Sydney.

Cabaret chronicles author Jenna Esposito interviews rising star William Blake about his upcoming tribute to Etta James, his performance in the new Air Supply musical and more in a cabaret chronicles exclusive article!

The Broadway at Birdland series was proud to present both Susan Egan, Tony-nominated for her performance as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Georgia Stitt, the award-winning theatrical composer, in concert together. The duo sang about and discussed their shared passions in an evening of new music and re-conceived classics that touched upon every aspect of their modern, multi-tasking lives! Susan was even subjected to an impromptu voice lesson from renowned and reviled vocal coach/YouTube superstar, Miranda Sings.

LOST IN LOVE- a new musical based on the hit songs of Air Supply, which held an industry-only reading in April, will play again at the Triad Theatre on June 5. Returning to the production, will be Andrea McArdle, Constantine Maroulis and Justin Matthew Sargent.

The Broadway at Birdland concert series today announced that William Blake will return to performhis new show, "Echoes of Etta," on Monday, June 4 at 7pm.

Broadway may soon make way for 'Lost In Love,' a new musical based on the hit songs of iconic duo Air Supply. The show has a 'Downton Abbey' feel and features 18 classic songs by Air Supply with four new tunes penned by the duo's own Graham Russell.

Scott Siegel's Broadway Ballyhoo, the show that changes every week with new stars and new songs, last night presented a cast that included Marilyn Maye, Billy Stritch, William Blake, and more!

Andrea McArdle, Broadway's original 'Annie,' joins Tony-nominated actor Constantine Maroulis ('Rock of Ages,' 'American Idol') and Justin Matthew Sargent ('Rock of Ages,' 'Bonnie & Clyde') for the April 23- 24 industry-only reading of 'LOST IN LOVE,' a new musical based on the hit songs of Air Supply. McArdle sprang to fame in early 1977 when she became the youngest performer ever to be nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. She has continued to perform as an actress and singer and is well-known for her alto range and strong vocal belt.

'Not the Same Old Song' presents singer/songwriter, pop and folk performances at Joe's Pub in April and May. Tickets on sale now online at joespub.com, by phone at 212-967-7555 or in person at The Public Theater Box Office (1 PM to 6 PM) located at 425 Lafayette Street, NYC.

Calliope Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Children of the Future Age, a new play with music. Set in an abandoned building, the play follows three runaways as they compete to usher the second coming of the poet William Blake through vision and songs.