Ben Rimalower - Page 2

Ben Rimalower

BEN RIMALOWER is the author and star of the long-running solo plays Bad with Money (The Advocate’s #1 of 2014) and Patti Issues (New York Time Critics Pick, M.A.C. and Bistro Awards, Official Selection: Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Summer Conference), both of which he continues to perform around the world, while simultaneous productions pop up with other actors “playing” Ben Rimalower, including two-time Tony nominee Robin De Jesus in New York. Ben’s double audiobook recording of Patti Issues and Bad with Money is a Roven Records bestseller on iTunes, Audible and Amazon. His “Do You Have Patti Issues?” PSA with Alan Cumming and Patti LuPone was a homepage selection on FunnyOrDie. He is a regular contributor to Vulture, Playbill, Out and Decider, and his short story, “Little Old Sam,” was included in the book My Dog, My Friend. 

A sought after Master of Ceremonies, Ben has made frequent appearances on nearly every nightclub, cabaret and comedy stage in New York. As an actor, he has been seen as both Patti LuPone and Elaine Stritch in You Like Me and as a literally flaming Jack Nicholson in The Witches of East Village at the Gramercy Theatre opposite Miss Coco Peru and Chad Michaels. Television appearances include Bravo's “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” “Watch What Happens Live,” ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” and Billy Eichner and Rachel Dratch’s “Halloween Adventure.”

Ben directed and produced the Off-Broadway plays Joy (Actors Playhouse) and The Fabulous Life of a Size Zero (Daryl Roth/DR2 Theatre), as well as numerous off Off-Broadway plays, readings, benefits and concerts. He earned the title the “Midas of Cabaret” (The Advocate) helming a slew of solo shows for artists ranging from Our Lady J and Cole Escola to the Countess Luann de Lesseps. Ben conceived and directed Leslie Kritzer is Patti LuPone at Les Mouches (Time Out New York Award) and subsequently produced Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records’ long- awaited recording, “Patti LuPone at Les Mouches.” Additionally, he produced and directed audiobooks of David Gregory’s How’s Your Faith, Isaac Oliver’s Intimacy Idiot, Ryan O’Connell’s I’m Special, Sam Harris’s Ham, Carole Bayer Sager’s They’re Playing My Song Jennifer Weiner’s  Hungry Heart and Caroline Kepnes’s You—now a hit Lifetime/Netflix series.

Follow @benrimalower on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and visit benrimalower.com.






BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams with Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams with Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration
April 27, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk about 'Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration.' The online broadcast featured Meryl Streep, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara, Aaron Tveit, Maria Friedman, Iain Armitage, Katrina Lenk, Michael Cerveris, Brandon Uranowitz, Stephen Schwartz, Elizabeth Stanley, Chip Zien, Alexander Gemignani, Ann Harada, Austin Ku, Kelvin Moon Loh, Thom Sesma, and Raul Esparza. Drama Desk Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell was the evening's music director, with Paul Wontorek serving as director.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams with Betty Buckley!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams with Betty Buckley!
April 20, 2020

In this very special QuaranStreams, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning star Betty Buckley about 'Bravo Profiles: Betty Buckley, In Performance and in Person.' Betty also tells stories from her career and talks about her time spent with fellow theater legends. Betty is known for her work on Broadway in shows such as '1776,' 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Triumph of Love,' 'Carrie,' 'Song and Dance,' 'Pippin,' 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood,' and 'Cats,' for which she won a Tony award for her portrayal of Grizabella. Betty is also a television and movie star, and has appeared in films such as Brian dePalma's 'Carrie' and M. Night Shyamalan's recent thriller, 'Split.' She's also appeared on TV in 'Supergirl,' 'Oz,' 'Preacher,' and as Abby Bradford in four seasons of 'Eight is Enough.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams- Jerry Herman's Broadway at the Hollywood Bowl
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams- Jerry Herman's Broadway at the Hollywood Bowl
April 13, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel discuss the 1982 concert 'Showstoppers: The Best of Broadway.' The evening is hosted by Tom Bosley and features Broadway favorites such as Ethel Merman, Barry Bostwick, Susan Browning, Len Cariou, Nell Carter, Diahann Carroll, Carole Demas, David Haskell, Glynis Johns, Donna McKechnie, Robert Morse, Pamela Myers, Stephen Nathan, Jerry Orbach, Anthony Perkins, Debbie Reynolds, Alexis Smith, and Ray Walston.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams- Showstoppers: The Best of Broadway
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams- Showstoppers: The Best of Broadway
April 6, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel discuss the 1982 concert 'Showstoppers: The Best of Broadway.' The evening is hosted by Tom Bosley and features Broadway favorites such as Ethel Merman, Barry Bostwick, Susan Browning, Len Cariou, Nell Carter, Diahann Carroll, Carole Demas, David Haskell, Glynis Johns, Donna McKechnie, Robert Morse, Pamela Myers, Stephen Nathan, Jerry Orbach, Anthony Perkins, Debbie Reynolds, Alexis Smith, and Ray Walston.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams- My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records QuaranStreams- My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies
March 30, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel discuss the 1998 Carnegie Hall concert 'My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies.' The concert was hosted by Julie Andrews and featured Broadway superstars such as Nell Carter, Lea DeLaria, Linda Eder, Jennifer Holliday, Anna Kendrick, Judy Kuhn, Priscilla Lopez, Dorothy Loudon, Rebecca Luker, Marin Mazzie, Andrea McArdle, Audra McDonald, Liza Minnelli, Debra Monk, Rosie O'Donnell, Faith Prince, and Karen Ziemba. It was directed by Scott Ellis and conducted by Paul Gemignani. Subscribe to Broken Records on YouTube and follow our QuaranStreams playlist.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Playwright and Actor Charles Busch!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Playwright and Actor Charles Busch!
March 23, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-nominated director and actor Charles Busch about the soundtrack to the 1983 film 'Yentl.' They also discuss Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Linda Lavin, Julie Halston, Patrick Dennis, 'Mame,' Michael Tanner, Tom Judson, Dick Gallagher, Lucie Arnaz, Lorna Luft, Michael Vollbracht, 'The Women,' Carl Andress, Lynne Meadow, Tony Roberts, Paul Newman, Sasha Velour, Bianca Del Rio, Stephen Sondheim, and Michele Lee. Charles talks about his career in and out of drag, as well as the difference between downtown and mainstream theater. Charles is the author of a number of fabulous plays, many of which he starred in, including 'Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,' 'Psycho Beach Party,' and his most recent, 'The Confession of Lily Dare.' His 2000 hit play, 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife,' ran on Broadway and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Tony Nominee Michael Arden!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Tony Nominee Michael Arden!
March 16, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and director Michael Arden about Joni Mitchell's 1971 album 'Blue.' They also discuss Audra McDonald, Ricky Ian Gordon, 'Follies,' Alexandra Silber, Indigo Girls, Sara McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, 'The Phantom of the Opera,' Gillian Lynne, Ben Folds, Maggie Rogers, 'Lestat,' Robyn, and Jan Maxwell. Michael talks about discovering Joni and how her storytelling abilities influenced his own artistic career. Michael has appeared on Broadway in shows such as 'Big River and 'Bare, A Pop Opera.' He also directed the hit revivals of 'Spring Awakening' and 'Once On This Island.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Nathan Lee Graham
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Nathan Lee Graham
March 9, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and singer Nathan Lee Graham about Lena Horne's 1981 live album 'Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.' They also discuss André De Shields, Billy Porter, 'Mame,' Robin de Jesús, 'Showboat,' Angela Lansbury, 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Judy Garland, Jenifer Lewis, James Brown III, Hal Prince, Susan Stroman, and Eartha Kitt. Nathan talks about social activism through art and how performers like Lena and Eartha have influenced his career. Nathan has starred on Broadway in beloved shows such as 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and Michael John LaChiusa's 'The Wild Party.' He's appeared in the hit films 'Zoolander,' 'Sweet Home Alabama,' and 'Hitch,' and on TV shows such as 'The Comeback,' 'Absolutely Fabulous,' and 'Katy Keene.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Alison Fraser
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Alison Fraser
March 2, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to two-time Tony nominee Alison Fraser about her 1996 album 'A New York Romance.' They also discuss Rusty Magee, James Taylor, Benjamin Dreyer, Bill Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'March of the Falsettos,' 'The Music Man,' Rebecca Luker, Oliver, Eydie Gormé, 'My Fair Lady,' Harry Nilsson, John Cameron Mitchell, Stephen Trask, Bernadette Peters, 'Gigi,' Mary Testa, Annie Golden, Daisy Eagan, Laura Nyro, Linda Rondstadt, Michael John LaChiusa, 'First Daughter Suite,' Elvis Costello, Aaron Mark, Rammstein, Patty Darcy, and Lena Horne. Alison has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including 'The Secret Garden' and 'Romance/Romance,' both of which earned her Tony nominations. She also appeared alongside Patti LuPone in the 2008 revival of 'Gypsy.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Drew Droege!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Drew Droege!
February 24, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and comedian Drew Droege about Sylvester's 1982 album 'All I Need.' They also discuss Audra McDonald, Eddie Murphy, Sandra Bernhard, Diana Ross, Has Mar Superstar, Robyn, Chloë Sevigny, Annette Funicello, John Waters, Sinead O'Connor, Melissa McCarthy, RuPaul, Jane Fonda. Michael Patrick King, Latrice Royale, Dianne Wiest, Kathleen Turner, Glenn Close, Carol Burnett, 'The Comeback,' and Donna Murphy. Drew is currently performing his play 'Happy Birthday Doug' at SoHo Playhouse. His previous play 'Bright Colors and Bold Patterns' is available to stream on BroadwayHD.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with the Great Marilyn Maye!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with the Great Marilyn Maye!
February 17, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to cabaret superstar and musical theater actress Marilyn Maye about her 1967 album 'Step To The Rear.' They also discuss Jerry Herman, 'Mame, 'Hello, Dolly!', Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Cook, Tommy Tune, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Billy Stritch, Tedd Firth, Provincetown, The Anchor Inn, Palm Springs, Feinstein's/54 Below, Birdland, and The Art House. Marilyn tells stories from her career as a singer and recording artist, and shares her expertise on how to build a show and sing to an audience. Marilyn has released seven albums and thirty-four singles, and performs all over the country to rooms full of adoring fans. Marilyn also holds the record for the most frequent singer on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where she appeared a total of seventy-six times.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Tony Winner Lena Hall
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Tony Winner Lena Hall
February 10, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning actress and singer Lena Hall about Guns N' Roses' 1987 debut album 'Appetite for Destruction.' They also discuss Axl Rose, Cats, Billy Porter, 'Legally Blonde,' Patti LuPone, 'Evita,' Donna Summer, 'Tarzan,' 'Kinky Boots,' Jimi Hendrix, 'Rent,' Janis Joplin, Damon Daunno, Jeff Buckley, David Bowie, and My Little Pony. Lena talks about her unique artistic journey, from growing up in the ballet world, to singing in the rock band The Deafening, to winning a Tony Award for her portrayal of Yitzhak in the acclaimed Broadway revival of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch.' In 'Hedwig,' Lena performed alongside John Cameron Mitchell, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael C. Hall, and Darren Criss, before stepping into the title role herself for the National Tour.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Judy Kuhn!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Judy Kuhn!
February 3, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to four-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn about Joni Mitchell's landmark 1971 album 'Blue.' They also discuss Laura Nyro, Neil Young, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Mary Beth Piel, Betty Buckley, and Yul Brynner. Judy talks about her love for Joni Mitchell, what the album means to her, and how it inspired her career. She also talks about her vocal training and how she has healthily maintained her exquisite voice over the years. Judy has appeared in a number of beloved shows, including 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood,' 'Les Misérables,' 'Chess,' 'She Loves Me,' 'Sunset Boulevard,' and 'Fun Home.' She will also appear in Classic Stage Company's upcoming Off-Broadway revival of 'Assassins.' Judy sang the title role in the 1995 Disney film 'Pocahontas,' including the Academy Award-winning song 'Colors of the Wind.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Miss Richfield 1981!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Miss Richfield 1981!
January 27, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to drag performer and national treasure Russ King (aka Miss Richfield 1981) about the 1972 album 'Free To Be... You And Me.' They also discuss Varla Jean Merman, Divine, Jinkx Monsoon, Marlo Thomas, Alan Alda, Rehoboth Beach, Cherry Grove, The Triad, Vonda Kay Van Dyke, Virginia Christine, Pixie Aventura, and Hedda Lettuce. Miss Richfield talks about performance mishaps, working with an audience, and what it's like returning to Provincetown year after year. In addition to her hilarious and acclaimed shows, Miss Richfield is also known as the TV spokesperson for the travel company Orbitz.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest Varla Jean Merman!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest Varla Jean Merman!
January 20, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor, singer, and drag legend Jeffery Roberson (aka Varla Jean Merman) about the 1966 cast recording of 'The Mad Show.' They also discuss Coco Peru, Frank DeCaro, Heklina, Joanne Worley, Linda Lavin, 'The First Wives Club,' Carol Burnett, Sandy Duncan, Barbra Streisand, Ann Reinking, Leslie Jordan, Marisol Montalvo, and Charles Busch. Varla talks about performing the role of Mary Sunshine in 'Chicago' on Broadway, and shares stories about working in Provincetown with queens such as Jinkx Monsoon, Peaches Christ, Liza Lott, and BenDeLaCreme. In addition to her hilarious onstage performances, Varla is also known for her work in Richard Day's beloved 2003 comedy film 'Girls Will Be Girls.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest Linda Eder!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest Linda Eder!
January 13, 2020

ce. In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to singer and actress Linda Eder about Barbra Streisand's 1965 album 'My Name is Barbra.' They also discuss Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Whitney Houston, Glenn Close, Frank Wildhorn, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel,' Andrew Lloyd Webber, 'Sunset Boulevard,' Eydie Gormé, Michael Bublé, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, 'Annie Get Your Gun,' Vikki Carr, Eileen Farrell, Betty Buckley and 'Hello, Dolly!' Known for her powerhouse vocals that have drawn comparisons to Streisand, Linda has performed in concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall. She has also performed on Broadway, where she originated the role of Lucy in 'Jekyll & Hyde,' for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Drag Star Pixie Aventura
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Drag Star Pixie Aventura
January 6, 2020

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and drag star Cesar Villavicencio (aka Pixie Aventura) about Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits. They also discuss Freddie Mercury, Queen, Chita Rivera, Judy Garland, Bohemian Rhapsody, and RuPaul's Drag Race. Pixie talks about working with an audience, her process of creating unique and highly compelling material, and the importance of bringing about more Latinx representation in media. She also talks about being a 'research queen' and shares some of her inspirations from music, television, and film. Pixie performs nightly to packed audiences at NYC clubs like Barracuda, Hardware, Therapy, and Playhouse.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Faith Prince
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Faith Prince
December 30, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning Broadway star Faith Prince about Liza Minnelli's 1972 live album 'Liza with a Z.' They also discuss Tina Landau, Fanny Brice, Funny Girl, Jule Styne, Judy Holliday, Mary Rodgers, Gwen Verdon, 'Fosse/Verdon,' Scott Frankel, Comden and Green, and Marilyn Maye. Faith tells stories of how she landed lead roles in shows like 'Guys and Dolls,' 'Bells Are Ringing,' and 'The First Wives Club,' and shares valuable advice on how to set yourself apart at auditions by bringing your intelligence into the room and onto the stage. She also talks about what it means to be your authentic self and the value of being present as a performer and in life. Faith's fabulous live albums 'Leap of Faith' and 'Total Faith' are available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Carolee Carmello
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Carolee Carmello
December 23, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello about the soundtrack to the 1973 film adaptation of 'Godspell.' They also discuss Julie Andrews, 'The Sound of Music,' Lesley Ann Warren, Marni Nixon, 'West Side Story,' 'Evita,' Mary Testa, 'Oliver,' 'Gypsy,' Barbra Streisand, Barbara Cook, Comden and Green, 'Falsettos,' 'Kiss Me Kate,' Marin Mazzie, and 'Parade.' They talk about Carolee's secret, closeted soprano past and the fact that she has never taken a voice lesson. Carolee is currently starring as America's coast-to-coast Dolly Levi in the national tour of 'Hello, Dolly!'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Kevin Adams!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Kevin Adams!
December 16, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to four-time Tony-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams about the soundtrack to the 1973 film 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' They also discuss 'Hair,' Barry Dennen, Barbra Streisand, Sandra Bernhard, 'Without You I'm Nothing,' Jodie Foster, Madonna, Tommy, Rupert Everett, Michael Mayer, Spike Lee, Jennifer Holliday, Stephen Trask, and John Cameron Mitchell. Kevin shares stories from his career, from working as a gogo dancer, to working on music videos, to collaborating with legendary directors and performers at The Mark Taper Forum, The Public Theater, and on Broadway. Kevin's credits include 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' 'Spring Awakening,' 'Passing Strange,' 'Next to Normal,' 'The Cher Show,' and 'SpongeBob SquarePants.'



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