David Clarke - Page 17

In July 2012, HIMSELF AND NORA premiered at the New York Musical Theater Festival. In 2014, Jay Records released HIMSELF AND NORA (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording). Following the steamy romance between James Joyce and his muse, Nora, the musical has returned to New York in a lush Off-Broadway production at the Minetta Lane Theatre. Recently, I sat down with Michael McCormick, who plays John Joyce, Ezra Pound, and others, to chat about the show.

It's that time of year, and I can't help but wonder if your CD collection and iPod are Tonys ready. It's just a handful of hours until the 70th annual Tony Awards, and New York City and theatre fans across the world are excitedly buzzing about this year's ceremonies which will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 8/7c on CBS. This Broadway season has some exciting contenders in the musical categories, and to get you ready for the big night, I'm recapping the albums you should be listening to (or at least pre-ordering).

The synth-laden opening strains of Concord Music Group's AMERICAN PSYCHO (Original London Cast Recording) are appropriately dark and sterile. In crafting the score for the musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel by the same title, Duncan Sheik has created a Broadway score that purposefully reminds listeners of synth-pop music by the likes of Giorgio Moroder while mixing in updated technologies to ensure that the score is as crisp and pulsating as any track on Daft Punk's RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES. The end result is an album filled with addictive looping and backbeats that masterfully mixes throwback modalities with modern technology to create an unexpectedly electronic musical score.

This past January, Broadway performer Benjamin Eakeley charmed audiences at Feinstein's/54 Below with Broadway Swinger. In anticipation of the encore performance, BroadwayWorld chatted with Eakeley about his solo cabaret show; SHE LOVES ME, his current Broadway gig; and his 1960s musical heavy career.

Helmed by Sam LaFrage, the Ragtag Theatre Company is back. Following their rip-roaring THE COMMEDIA RAPUNZEL, the talented troupe is tickling ribs with their latest concoction: THE COMMEDIA CINDERELLA. Billed as LGBTQ theatre designed for the entire family, this show puts a refreshing and much appreciated new spin on the timeless fairytale, finding a way to speak to the individual heart of every member of the audience.

Scott Alan has been giving music theater performers vividly emotionally and stirring songs to perform ever since 2007. Cynthia Erivo captured the hearts of many as Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE. Oliver Tompsett is best known for playing Fieryo in the West End production of WICKED. The three artists joined forces for Alan's most spellbinding album yet, Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett Sing Scott Alan.

After two successful EPs, Broadway veteran Matt Doyle has released his first full-length album, Uncontrolled. Doyle successfully crowd-funded the album on Kickstarter, and his passion for the material shines on every track. For fans of his EPs, the pop tonality emanating from Will Van Dyke's skillful arrangements will be familiar. For those listening to Matt Doyle for the first time, this aural landscape is inviting and addictive.

When I saw the current Broadway revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, I enjoyed it. So, it was a surprise when I didn't feel the same way about Broadway Records' FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (2016 Broadway Cast Recording) upon first listen. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is one of my top four favorite shows of all time, so I gave the album another couples of listens, and the charm of this record revealed itself to me.

THE COLOR PURPLE's critically lauded revival is currently impressing audiences eight times a week at the Jacobs in New York City. The show is one of Broadway's most popular shows, making tickets somewhat scarce. So, if you're like me, you haven't been able to see it. Luckily, Broadway Records has recorded the revival cast and released THE COLOR PURPLE (New Broadway Cast Recording).

Actress/singer Rumer Willis returns to New York City with her spellbinding debut at Cafe Carlyle. Having previously wowed New York audiences as Roxie in Broadway's CHICAGO and at Feinstein's/54 Below, Willis' sultry instrument and chanteuse aura melds her youthful energy with the reverence for music that is associated with this historic venue.

On Sunday, Billy Mitchell's Villain: DeBlanks ended a triumphant six-month run at New York City's The Triad. The all-star cast, led by producer Brenda Braxton, brought the house down with Mitchell's latest script, Space Hole!.

On Monday, February 29, 2016, the Broadway at Birdland concert series will be presenting Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens as a benefit concert. With music by Janet Hood, lyrics and additional text by bill Russell, the piece is comprised of songs and monologues inspired by the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology. To get the inside scoop on the upcoming star studded concert, I chatted with Russell and director Jill Sapenoff.

Something special is happening off-Broadway at the SoHo Playhouse. A troupe of talented performers calling themselves The Spaghetti and Meatball Players are encouraging everyone to be weird with THE COMMEDIA RAPUNZEL, a new show written by Sam LaFrage and directed by Dennis Corsi and LaFrage.

Closing January 2016 with a bang, Broadway veteran and singer-songwriter Brian Gallagher shook Birdland Jazz Club with BRIAN GALLAGHER AND FRIENDS. He has been crafting new songs, writing a musical about a serial killer haunted by her victims, and even crafting a song cycle about rats. Utilizing his recent birthday as leverage, he assembled a roster of celebrated Broadway and musical theatre talent to debut his new work.

Equally uplifting and heartbreaking, for many people FUN HOME is easily the most significant musical of 2015 and of this era of American musical theatre. Recently, Gabriella Pizzolo, who made her Broadway debut in MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, took over the role of Small Alison in FUN HOME. I caught up with the young star to talk about the show and this now iconic role.

Globally, bullying is a problem facing many school aged children. It is a comfort to know that many are looking for ways to curb bullying and make the world a better place for our children. On Monday, February 8, 2016, to celebrate it's expansion to the East Coast, the international anti-bullying organization No Bully will be rocking Feinstein's/54 Below with their fundraising concert BROADWAY AGAINST BULLYING.

Last week, Broadway veteran Benjamin Eakeley delighted audiences with his charming solo cabaret Broadway Swinger at Feinstein's/54 Below. The 60s themed show featured a book by Tim Murray and Eakeley, which was filled with interesting factoids about the decade. It was also masterfully directed by JV Mercanti. Through the songs of Broadway and with a gorgeous vocal instrument, Eakeley charted how musical theater, much like the rest of America, transitioned from the saccharine sweet ideals of the 50s to the uninhibited and libidinous vibes of the sexual revolution.

Timothy Haskell and Psycho Clan are finding news ways to delight New Yorkers during the holidays. They have successfully scared the pants off many with the critically acclaimed Nightmare Haunted House. They have brought New Yorkers gleeful, springtime joy with Full Bunny Contact. Now, they're ready to give New Yorker's copious amounts of mirth and frivolity with Stantastical: A Very, Merry Twistmas. To get the inside scoop, I chatted with Timothy Haskell about the new project.

Anika Larsen, who originated the role of Cynthia Weil in the smash hit Broadway musical BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, has returned to the Broadway following her maternity leave. Recently, I went back stage at BEAUTIFUL and chatted with the celebrated actress in her dressing room. We talked about what it's like being a Broadway actress and a new mom, the upcoming holidays, and more.

What happens when you mix equal parts Murder, She Wrote with Mad Libs? You get Billy Mitchell's rib-tickling theatrical confection VILLAIN: DeBLANKS. Currently enjoying a residency at The Triad, audiences can catch the madcap hilarity on the first Sunday of each month through April 3, 2016.