I'm Still Here...Damn It! 1998 - Articles Page 19

This week, both in memory of the real-life Baby June, June Havoc, who passed away this week, as well as a precursory introduction to a multi-part series critiquing the entire canon of all major Sondheim cast albums available in anticipation of the late April opening of the new review SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM (currently in previews at Studio 54), we are taking a listen to the various cast recordings of the major productions on Broadway/West End of GYPSY over the last fifty years. GYPSY was, of course, one of the first scores on Broadway boasting lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and whether a leading lady the likes of Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters or Patti LuPone, it is a score unlike any other before or since and a true pinnacle of not only musical theatre, but all theatre, on Broadway and beyond. Some may even say the greatest musical of all...

Broadway actor Cheyenne Jackson has been gracefully transitioning from the stage to the screen, and back, amassing a slew of acclaimed performances in each field. Jackson, who is currently starring as Woody in the critically-acclaimed revival of 'Finian's Rainbow' is constantly on the go: He has recently released a new CD with Michael Feinstein titled The Power of Two. And on January 15, Jackson and Feinstein will be appearing together at the McCallum Theatre.

The incomparable Chita Rivera released a new solo studio album entitled And Now I Swing on October 13, 2009 from the newly-launched Yellow Sound Label. From classic theater songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes. BroadwayWorld.com checked in with the legendary star

The old cliché says that New York audiences will always bow in awe and rampage box offices whenever a play from Great Britain washes upon its shores. But in recent seasons it seems that type of grandiose reception has been reserved for productions that land on our stages by way of Chicago. I have no idea what the new black may be but I have a strong hunch Steppenwolf is the new Old Vic.

Perched above the stage in their private bleacher section, just beyond an outfield fence graffitied with the musical's title, conductor Rob Berman and his 25 piece Encores! Summer Stars orchestra might be mistaken for the conservatory cousins of Brooklyn's legendary Dodger Sym-Phony. But instead of serenading umpires from the Ebbet's Field grandstands with double forte arrangements of 'Three Blind Mice,' the musicians of director John Rando's cracker-jack production of Damn Yankees - a 1955 musical that opened in the early weeks of the baseball season that saw Brooklyn beat the Yankees for the borough's only World Series championship - treats 21st Century audiences to that thrilling sound of a Broadway Golden Age orchestra. The detailed movements and textures contained within Don Walker's orchestrations, whether giving comic accents to the pepper-upper 'Heart,' setting a satirical mood for the pseudo-vamp 'Whatever Lola Wants' or lifting a slow ballad like 'A Man Doesn't Know' with phrases that search the mind of the singing character, help bring majestic touches of artistry to this rousing vaudeville disguised as a book musical.

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Carrie Dunn talks to Captain Jack about his return as a West End leading man (or lady), his hectic schedule and his purchases of choice from the shopping channels...

Since returning to the world of theatre via BroadwayWorld.com about a month ago, after an almost seven year absence, I've had the invaluable opportunity of reconnecting with a number of old acquaintances and renewing long-dormant friendships and relationships with people connected to the theatre scene in Nashville and throughout Tennesseee.

Tony nominated actor stars in Barnum at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and talks about the show.

Actress, comedienne, author, singer and provocateur Sandra Bernhard promises plenty of holiday 'cheer' as she begins her limited run at Joe's Pub tonight, Friday December 26th at 9:30PM.

This year will be of particular interest due to the economic situation, which makes the phrase 'more for your hard earned dollar' even harder...

The Zipper Factory (336 West 37th Street) is pleased to present trailblazing diva Lea DeLaria in concert on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. In a very special Christmas show, DeLaria fronts with her swinging quintet under the musical direction of the eminent pianist and composer Janette Mason, performing a scintillating repertoire of witty festive favorites, classic torch songs, up-tempo jazz standards and soulful ballads. Her special guest for the evening is Sandra Bernhard.

We all know we're going to die someday… just not today. So, why are we here and is there more to our journey? Those questions were the inspiration behind Tony Award-nominated writer Jack Murphy's new play 'Gods of Autumn,' which makes its world premiere at Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy on Wednesday August 20, 2008; starring Jarrod Emick and Jessica Phillips. Murphy also directs.

Taboo star spreads his wings to perform in concerts at the Oak Room.

Part two of a three part series about recent graduates of the Towson University Theatre Program - an actor, a director and a playwright - all of whom have made the successful, if difficult transition to life as a working artist.

We talk to Julia Murney, who is currently starring as Elphaba in the hit Broadway musical, Wicked. We also listen to two songs from her solo CD, I'm Not Waiting: The title track, 'I'm Not Waiting' by Andrew Lippa, and 'Perfect' by Tom Kitt.

A veteran of Broadway and regional theater, Paula spills her secrets for surviving injuries, finding love and simply enduring in the biz.

Director/Actress Judith Ivey Talks about her latest project.

Jeremy Shamos and David Turner of Gutenberg the Musical join Broaday Bullet to talk about their extended run, Swiss watches , and their audience participation.

Chicago ticket winners announced! Your letters answered! Coming Soon to Baltimore.BroadwayWorld.com!

Fans of Sandra Bernhard will be able to celebrate New Year's Weekend with the acclaimed comedienne on Friday, December 29 at 7 PM and 9:30 PM; Saturday, December 30 at 7 PM and 9:30 PM; and Sunday, December 31 at 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM at Joe's Pub

The second of two interviews with the stars of CenterStage's all-star production of 'The Boys from Syracuse.' This time, Michael Winther and Manu Narayan on casting, Bebe, and a making a career in theatre.

Steve Solomon discusses his new show My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy

Currently starring on Broadway as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Alexander Gemignani shares how he's taking on the role, Sweeney Todd, fans and more...

This week: Raising a Star, Ethel Merman: The Biggest Star on Broadway, I Could Have Sung All Night: My Story by Marni Nixon and the Playbill Broadway Yearbook!