CABARET LIFE NYC: Reaction to the Recent Rita Wilson and Molly Ringwald Cafe Carlyle Shows Reveal Much About How We View Singing Celebrities
by Stephen Hanks - Oct 27, 2014
Rita Wilson and Molly Ringwald deserve a lot of credit for being gutsy enough to go out of their comfort zones as performers and venture into the intimate, sometimes scary art from known as cabaret, where you're always live and can't rely on extra takes. It's also obvious that they've worked very hard at becoming the best vocalists they can possibly be. They have just as much right to live out their cabaret performing fantasies as, oh, about 75 percent of the 'singers' booking shows in cabaret room all over the New York. If Wilson and Ringwald weren't bold-faced names would their singing really be considered good enough to merit them gigs (and extended ones at that) at the Cafe Carlyle? And if they weren't celebrities, would they be receiving such breathlessly positive reviews from critics, some of who should know better?
Peter Cincotti, David Wong & High Strung, THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD and More Set for TPAC's 2014-15 Season, Launching Today
by BWW News Desk - Oct 25, 2014
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, the longest operating performance venue in lower Manhattan, presents Peter Cincotti, performing tonight, October 25 at 8PM, the first of four major concerts in the 2014-2015 Main Event Series, which also includes the Spanish Harlem Orchestra (November 21 at 8PM, $45 - $35) and The Hit Men (December 13 at 8PM, $45 - $35). Also featured are Alexis P. Suter (January 9 at 8PM, $45 - $35), and Ruthie Foster (May 8 at 8PM, $45 - $35), among others.
Jim Brochu Returns to Barrington Stage in CHARACTER MAN, Beginning Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 18, 2014
Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, welcomes the return of Drama Desk Award-winner Jim Brochu in his new show Character Man, following his wildly successful run of Zero Hour in 2011. A musical valentine celebrating the Golden Age of the American Musical, Character Man will be presented at BSC's St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center from tonight, September 18 through 28. The press opening is Saturday, September 20 at 7:30pm.
Jim Brochu to Return to Barrington Stage in CHARACTER MAN This Month
by BWW News Desk - Sep 8, 2014
Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, announces the return of Drama Desk Award-winner Jim Brochu in his new show Character Man, following his wildly successful run of Zero Hour in 2011. A musical valentine celebrating the Golden Age of the American Musical, Character Man will be presented at BSC's St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center from September 18 through 28. The press opening is Saturday, September 20 at 7:30pm.
BWW Reviews: The Ordway's BROADWAY SONGBOOK: THE FIRST 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY is Once Again an Informative and Entertaining Look at Musical Theater History
by Jill Schafer - Aug 8, 2014
The Ordway is opening its fourth season of the BROADWAY SONGBOOK series with a retrospective of the first 100 years of Broadway. If you're like me, your first question is - when did Broadway begin? It's debatable, but Professor James Rocco - who presides over what feels like a college seminar on musical theater history with live show-and-tell by the Twin Cities' best musical theater performers - tells us that the beginning of Broadway can be marked by THE BLACK CROOK in 1866. This is just one of the things you'll learn in this BROADWAY SONGBOOK, but don't worry, it is anything but dry and pedantic. The stories are fascinating and entertaining (at least to a musical theater nerd like myself), James has chosen just the right collection of songs to illustrate his points, and music director Raymond Berg has beautifully arranged the songs, which are performed with much passion, emotion, and humor by the talented cast of actor/singer/dancers.
Stephen Lee Anderson, Stephen Bogardus, Patti Cohenour and More to Lead Steve Martin's BRIGHT STAR at The Old Globe; Walter Bobbie Directs!
by BWW News Desk - Aug 6, 2014
The Old Globe today announced the full cast and creative team for the World Premiere of Bright Star, a new American musical featuring music by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin, lyrics by Brickell, and book by Martin, based on an original story by Martin and Brickell. Directed by Walter Bobbie, Bright Star will run September 13 - November 2, 2014 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run September 13 - September 27. Opening night is Sunday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets go on sale on Friday, August 8 at noon.
Announcing CCM's 2014-15 Concert Series
by BWW News Desk - Aug 4, 2014
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has announced initial details on its 2014-15 Concert Series. Encompassing over 50 different concerts, this series begins with a performance by the internationally acclaimed Ariel Quartet with legendary guest artist Menahem Pressler on Sept. 9, 2014, and concludes with a number of performances by CCM's Preparatory Department running May 1 - 9, 2015.
City Circle Presents HAIR at the CCPA This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Aug 1, 2014
City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will present the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Hair this weekend, August 1-3 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are August 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm and August 2 and 3 at 2:00 pm.
City Circle to Present HAIR at the CCPA, 8/1-3
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 24, 2014
City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will present the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Hair August 1-3 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are August 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm and August 2 and 3 at 2:00 pm.
BWW Reviews: Darien Arts Center Presents JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS
by Cindy Cardozo - May 12, 2014
Darien Arts Center Stage is a community theatre dedicated to providing excellence in entertainment through plays, musicals, cabarets, and special events. Their Weatherstone Studio at the Darien Arts Center has recently played host to a production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Flawlessly directed by Peter Green, the timeless songs, intimate theater setting, simple set pieces, inspired costumes and brilliant Broadway-caliber cast combined for an entertaining and memorable evening. I felt privileged to be able to attend such a perfect production.
Raul Esparza Performs 'My Man' From FUNNY GIRL At MISCAST 2014
by Pat Cerasaro - Apr 3, 2014
In addition to a showstopping performance of a legendary duet from iconic musical theatre masterpiece WEST SIDE STORY given by Broadway headliners Raul Esparza and Lin-Manuel Miranda at the recent star-studded MISCAST 2014 gala, Esparza also treated attendees to a spirited rendition of iconic FUNNY GIRL film showstopper 'My Man' and a new clip of the performance is now available to view.
Jim Brochu's CHARACTER MAN to Close 4/6 at Urban Stages
by BWW News Desk - Mar 31, 2014
Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano, announced the final week of the World Premiere engagement of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). This limited run will continue through April 6th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. The Final Post-Show Talk will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd with Special Guest Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard, Hairspray), moderated by Peter Filichia.
Breaking News: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Karen Olivo to Star in tick, tick...BOOM! for Encores! FAUST and PUMP BOYS Announced
by Robert Diamond - Mar 9, 2014
This just in! New York City Center's acclaimed Encores! Off-Center series, under the artistic direction of Jeanine Tesori, will return this summer for a second season of landmark Off-Broadway musicals. The season opens with Jonathan Larson's tick, tick… BOOM!, June 25 - 28, starring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Karen Olivo, directed by Oliver Butler, and continues with a one-night only performance of Randy Newman'sFaust: The Concert, with Randy Newman as the Devil, directed by Thomas Kail, on July 1. Pump Boys and Dinettes, withbook, music and lyrics by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann , directed by Lear deBessonet and choreographed by Danny Mefford, wraps up the season, running July 16 - 19. Chris Fenwick is the Encores! Off-Center music director.
Urban Stages Presents CHARACTER MAN, A MUSICAL MEMOIR, Now thru 3/30
by BWW News Desk - Feb 28, 2014
Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) tonight, February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.
Urban Stages to Present CHARACTER MAN, A MUSICAL MEMOIR, 2/28-3/30
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 3, 2014
Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.
Tribute Album 'True To The Blues: The Johnny Winter Story' Out 2/23
by Caryn Robbins - Dec 10, 2013
The extraordinary four decade-plus recording career of seminal Texas blues-rocking guitar legend Johnny Winter, who celebrates his 70 th birthday on February 23, 2014, will be commemorated with the release of True To The Blues: The Johnny Winter Story.