Photo Flash: John Kander Celebrated By Richard Skipper And Company at the Laurie Beechman Theatre
John Kander's NYC birthday bash started with a heartfelt speech by Chita Rivera shown via video at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square. Richard Skipper Celebrated the legendary composer and surviving half of Kander & Ebb, the great masters that brought us a canon of fine musical works that include Cabaret, Chicago, Steel Pier, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Woman of the Year among others.
The afternoon festivities continued with high-energy performances by luminaries including Tony Award-winner Lillias White; Donna Marie Asbury currently in Chicago on Broadway; musical theatre veteran Jana Robbins; Lucia Spina from the original cast of Kinky Boots; David Sabella, who originated the role of Mary Sunshine in the current revival of Chicago on Broadway; and finally, multi Tony winning and nominated, Karen Ziemba.
Next month, Skipper presents an afternoon of theater veterans who put their individual stamp on roles in original Broadway productions., Heading the group is Lane Bradbury, currently making a resurgence as a cabaret singer and playwright, who originated the role of dainty June in Gypsy with Ethel Merman. Visit richardskipper.com for details.
(All photos courtesy of Jay Michaels Arts & Entertainment)
Richard Skipper opens the live show after a compelling video montage.
Donna Marie Asbury currently in Chicago on Broadway, stopped by for a quick song or two before heading over to her matinee.
Musical theater veteran Jana Robbins took to the mic ...
before joining the great David Sabella for a clever comedic duet.
Lucia Spina from the original cast of Kinky Boots shared some stories and then two compelling 'story songs.
Tony Award-winner LiLlias White effortlessly brought down the house with a number from Chicago.
The afternoon came to a joyous conclusion with Broadway luminary, Karen Ziemba
The master at the piano for the event was Fred Barton (here with Richard Skipper)
One Sabella on stage and one in the house. David's famous brother, Ernie Sabella, was on-hand to lend support as well as to just plain have a great time. (here he is pictured with Richard Skipper)
|
Ephraim Sykes: For The Record 54 Below (8/04-8/04) |
|
Make it Gay: A Pride Celebration 3.0 54 Below (6/29-6/29) |
|
Jason Graae: It's a Graae Night For Singing! 54 Below (8/09-8/09) PHOTOS VIDEOS |
|
54 Sings The Music of Scrubs Vol. 2 54 Below (9/30-9/30) |
|
Michael Cerveris: The Other Part 54 Below (9/16-9/16) |
|
Broadway Gone Bad! 54 Below (8/28-8/28) |
|
Linda Eder 54 Below (7/29-7/29) |
|
Tony Danza: Sinatra & Stories 54 Below (7/24-7/24) |
|
Liberace & Liza: A Tribute 54 Below (7/06-7/06) |
|
Wait 'Til You See What's Next The Green Room 42 (7/09-7/09) |