tracker
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Home For You Chat My Shows (beta) Register/Login Games Grosses

Ben Rimalower - Page 4

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 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.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Laura Benanti
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Laura Benanti
December 9, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning Broadway star Laura Benanti about Tori Amos's 1992 album 'Little Earthquakes.' They also discuss Patti LuPone, Arthur Laurents, Joni Mitchell, Elaine Stritch, Liza Minnelli, Marni Nixon, Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, and Julie Andrews. Laura talks about her starring roles in Broadway hits such as 'The Sound of Music,' 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,' 'Gypsy,' 'She Loves Me,' and 'My Fair Lady.' She shares stories from her career, including her 'up-the-octave' portrayal of Dolly Levi in high school. In addition to the theater, Laura has appeared on TV in 'Supergirl,' 'Nashville,' and 'The Sound of Music Live' opposite Carrie Underwood. She is also a regular on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' and has tickled viewers nationwide with her hilarious portrayal of Melania Trump.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Scott Wittman!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Scott Wittman!
December 2, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning lyricist and director Scott Wittman about Frank Sinatra's 1966 live album, 'Sinatra at the Sands.' They also discuss Bette Midler, Patti LuPone, Sammy Davis Jr, Edie Beale, Christine Ebersole, Count Basie, Barbara Cook, Dusty Springfield, Ute Lemper, and Bridget Everett. Scott talks about playing 'cocktail lounge' growing up, and how his love for live albums influenced his career in theater and cabaret. Scott has worked on a number of successful Broadway shows such as 'Hairspray,' 'Catch Me If You Can,' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' as well as the TV show 'Smash' and the movie 'Mary Poppins Returns.'

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Natalie Douglas
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Natalie Douglas
November 25, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to cabaret superstar Natalie Douglas about Nina Simone's 1961 album 'Forbidden Fruit.' They also discuss The Eagles, 'South Pacific,' Mitzi Gaynor, Roberta Flack, Barbra Streisand, Karen Mason, Joe Williams, and Dolly Parton. Natalie shares stories about moving to New York and working at famous piano bars such as Brandy's and The Duplex. She now sings to audiences around the world and can be seen performing at her monthly residency at Birdland in New York City.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Michael Musto
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Michael Musto
November 18, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to legendary writer and New York nightlife fixture Michael Musto about the 1968 album 'Diana Ross and The Supremes Sing and Perform Funny Girl.' They also discuss 'The Wiz,' Motown, Barbra Streisand, 'Mahogany,' Liza Minnelli, Madonna, 'Evita,' Nancy Walker, Mary Wilson, 'Follies,' and Marilyn Maye. Michael talks about the first time he saw the movie 'Funny Girl,' as well as his attempt to see Diana Ross live in Central Park. Michael can be seen performing live at venues around New York City, and his weekly column can be found on NewNowNext.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Real Housewives of New York City Star Luann de Lesseps
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Real Housewives of New York City Star Luann de Lesseps
November 11, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson about Tori Amos's 1994 album 'Under the Pink.' They also discuss Liz Phair, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, alt rock, Fiona Apple, 'Show Boat,' William Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'Raisin,' Sondheim, 'Company,' 'Rent,' and 'Passing Strange.' Michael talks about how he discovered his favorite songwriters and how they influenced his own writing process. Michael's acclaimed new musical 'A Strange Loop' recently played to sold-out audiences, and the cast recording is now available from Broadway Records.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Telly Leung
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Telly Leung
November 4, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson about Tori Amos's 1994 album 'Under the Pink.' They also discuss Liz Phair, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, alt rock, Fiona Apple, 'Show Boat,' William Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'Raisin,' Sondheim, 'Company,' 'Rent,' and 'Passing Strange.' Michael talks about how he discovered his favorite songwriters and how they influenced his own writing process. Michael's acclaimed new musical 'A Strange Loop' recently played to sold-out audiences, and the cast recording is now available from Broadway Records.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, A STRANGE LOOP's Michael R. Jackson
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, A STRANGE LOOP's Michael R. Jackson
October 28, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson about Tori Amos's 1994 album 'Under the Pink.' They also discuss Liz Phair, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, alt rock, Fiona Apple, 'Show Boat,' William Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'Raisin,' Sondheim, 'Company,' 'Rent,' and 'Passing Strange.' Michael talks about how he discovered his favorite songwriters and how they influenced his own writing process. Michael's acclaimed new musical 'A Strange Loop' recently played to sold-out audiences, and the cast recording is now available from Broadway Records.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Bridget Everett!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Bridget Everett!
October 21, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actress and singer Bridget Everett about Prince's legendary 1984 album Purple Rain. They also discuss Bread, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Patti LuPone, Little Richard, Lillias White, The Life, Tina Turner, Kiki & Herb, Murray Hill, Allison Janney, Brooks Ashmanskas, RuPaul, karaoke, lowbrow brilliance, and finding solace in music. Bridget talks about growing up with six siblings and how she found her way from Kansas to New York's electrifying downtown scene. Bridget can be seen in a number of TV shows such as Inside Amy Schumer, Lady Dynamite, Unbelievable, and Camping, as well as the upcoming AJ and the Queen on Netflix.

BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Santino Fontana!
BWW Exclusive: Ben Rimalower's Broken Records with Special Guest, Santino Fontana!
October 14, 2019

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz about Judy Collins' 1967 album 'Wildflowers.' They also discuss Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, The Supremes, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf,' Motown, 'Bye Bye Birdie,' and Leonard Cohen. Stephen talks about the conception and creation of a number of his works, including 'Wicked,' 'Godspell,' 'Pippin,' 'The Baker's Wife,' 'Working,' 'Rags,' and 'The Prince of Egypt.' He tells stories about working with artists such as Howard Ashman, Charles Strouse, Steven Spielberg, and Whitney Houston, and talks about collaborating with Alan Menken, with whom he wrote the songs for the hit Disney films 'Pocahontas,' 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' and 'Enchanted.'

BWW Interview: Adam Fleming of THE DARE PROJECT Opens Up About HAIRSPRAY, TOE PICK, WICKED, BARE and DARE!
BWW Interview: Adam Fleming of THE DARE PROJECT Opens Up About HAIRSPRAY, TOE PICK, WICKED, BARE and DARE!
October 9, 2019

Actor-singer-dancer-choreographer Adam Fleming became a part of Broadway history originating the roles of Sketch in Hairspray and Lucas in Bare. In 2005, he starred in David Brind and Adam Salky's acclaimed short film, Dare, about two teenage boys' tense, spark-filled encounter in a pool following high school play practice. Dare gained a cult following as part of Strand Releasing's 'Boys Life' series and ultimately achieved worldwide popularity via more than 12 Million views on Youtube. The fan fervor (and fan fiction!) eventually inspired a sequel, ten years later. The original and the sequel are now being presented together as The Dare Project and attracting new legions of fans.



        4 




Videos