BWW Reviews: Seth Glier Charms Rockwood Music HallApril 22, 2015Nestled in the cozy, subterranean concert space that is Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3, Seth Glier celebrated the release of his latest album on Friday, April 17 in New York City. In the intimate venue, he treated the packed to capacity room of fans with charismatic performances of songs from previous albums and from his newest one, If I Could Change One Thing.
BWW CD Reviews: Migguel Anggelo's LA CASA AZUL is Artful Latin PopApril 21, 2015Migguel Anggelo's sophomore album, LA CASA AZUL, was released today by Jupiter Moons Productions, LLC. The beautiful album is rich in metaphor and poetry, weaving classical art sensibilities into the Latin pop mindset. With lush musicality, resplendent lyrics, and opulent vocals, LA CASA AZUL springs from the imagination and comes to life as it dances soulful sambas and festive flamencos in your heart.
BWW #TBT CD Reviews: Kelli O'Hara's WONDER IN THE WORLD and ALWAYS are CharismaticApril 16, 2015Originally from Oklahoma, Broadway superstar Kelli O'Hara has been thrilling New York audiences as Anna Leonowens in Lincoln Center Theater's Broadway revival of THE KING AND I. While she is busy putting the final touches on this cherished, classic role before the critics take their seats for opening night, I am exploring her charismatic solo albums WONDER IN THE WORLD, a collection of classic tunes arranged and orchestrated by Harry Connick, Jr., and ALWAYS, a collection of music from Broadway shows and gifted musical writers.
BWW Reviews: Energetic THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE CD RELEASE CONCERT is Filled with Soul and HeartApril 14, 2015THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE is a glittering example of a musical that captures and is imbued with that magic in every perfectly cast note and each keenly written lyric. Celebrating Ghostlight Records' release of the original cast recording, members of the cast and creative team came together at Joe's Pub for a spirited and rousing night of music at last night's THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE CD RELEASE CONCERT.
BWW Reviews: Gregory Charles' VINTAGE LIVE is Electrifying FunApril 13, 2015With warmer weather and sunny days, New York City is ready to shake off the doldrums of winter. Luckily for the city that never sleeps, Canadian superstar Gregory Charles is bringing his revered piano man skills and keen ear for music to a truly unique concert experience. In a mindboggling pop-up on Pier 97 in the Hudson River Park, audiences are invited to take in VINTAGE LIVE, where Gregory Charles and his skilled band play a fascinating set of audience requests.
BWW Interview: Tom Galantich and Duke Lafoon Talk CLINTON: THE MUSICAL, Comedy and PoliticsApril 13, 2015After getting mostly positive reviews in July 2014 at New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), CLINTON: THE MUSICAL landed at New World Stages. As they ramped up for their Off-Broadway opening night, BroadwayWorld chatted about the musical and politics with the two men, Tom Galantich (WJ Clinton) and Duke Lafoon (Billy Clinton), that bring the charismatic 42nd President of the Untied States to life in the uproarious musical comedy.
BWW #TBT CD Reviews: Luba Mason's COLLAGE and KRAZY LOVE are Delightfully JazzyApril 9, 2015I'm late to the Luba Mason party. I first took notice of her when I attended a performance of The Civilians' PRETTY FILTHY, and I was impressed by her serenely sensual alto instrument. As she is prepping to take 54 Below by storm tonight with her cabaret show MIXTURA 2, I've been acquainting myself with her albums COLLAGE and KRAZY LOVE. Both are delightfully jazzy collections sure to add some spice to your life.
BWW Reviews: Lena Hall Rocks Café Carlyle with SIN AND SALVATIONApril 8, 2015Fresh off of her Tony Award-winning run as Yitzhak in the Broadway revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Lena Hall makes her Cafe Carlyle debut with SIN AND SALVATION. With her rocker sensibilities, she is turning the intimate venue on its head with a show that features a fascinating blend of rock, pop, blues, and even a touch of rap.
BWW CD Reviews: Seth Glier's IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING is Vibrantly SmoothApril 8, 2015Grammy nominated artist Seth Glier released his latest studio album, IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING, on April 7, 2014. On the record, the 26 year old singer-songwriter brings a charming pop sensibility to these mostly mellow tunes. Crafting an album that reminds listeners of artists like Ed Sheeran and Ryan Tedder, Seth Glier does find his own distinct voice and sings with a timbre and tonality that is simultaneously airy and vibrantly smooth.
BWW Reviews: MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE Lacks PowerApril 7, 2015Taken from the writings of Rachel Corrie and edited by Alan Rickman and journalist Katharine Viner, the play MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE is known for being controversial. At its heart, it is a play that exposes the atrocities that occurred during the Second Intifada. The politics surrounding the Gaza Strip are complex and convoluted, and MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE puts the audience on the front lines.
BWW Reviews: Patti LuPone Burns Bright in THE LADY WITH THE TORCH Encore at 54 BelowApril 3, 2015Patti LuPone, living Broadway legend and Two-time Tony winner, returns to 54 Below with her acclaimed solo show THE LADY WITH THE TORCH. Showcasing her breathy alto and stunning belt, Patti LuPone 'belly ache[s]' (her words) her way through an inspired evening of well-known torch songs. And once the diva takes the stage, there is simply no denying that LuPone's grace, poise, and power are pure magic.
BWW Reviews: Well-Strung Thrills with POPSSICAL Encore at 54 BelowMarch 30, 2015New York City based string quartet Well-Strung returned to 54 Below on Friday, March 27, 2015. Performing to a sold-out house, the always charming and handsome performers delighted audiences with an encore engagement of their entertaining hit show POPssical. While reprising much of what they performed the last time I reviewed them in late October, the guys' charismatic set had a handful of new surprises.
BWW Reviews: Anika Larsen Charms at BirdlandMarch 25, 2015Celebrating the release of SING YOU TO SLEEP, Anika Larsen made her solo concert debut at Birdland on Monday, March 23. Joined by her BEAUTIFUL castmates Jessie Mueller and Jarrod Spector and her XANADU castmate Kenita Miller, Larsen's set featured songs from her album and thematically appropriate solos that featured her guests' talents too. Thus, the evening was the perfect night cap to an otherwise manic Monday.
BWW CD Reviews: Steve Grand's ALL AMERICAN BOY is Earnest, Relatable CountryMarch 23, 2015Following the success of his debut single 'All American Boy,' Steve Grand began working on his debut album of the same title. Raising over $325,000, his album is currently the third most funded project in Kickstarter's history. Tomorrow, March 25, 20115, the stellar game-changing country album ALL AMERICAN BOY will be available for purchase.
BWW Reviews: Ben Vereen's STEPPIN' OUT at 54 Below Entertains with EaseMarch 18, 2015Simply hearing the name Ben Vereen uttered invokes the magic and allure of Broadway. From originating key roles in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and PIPPIN, Vereen has called the stages of Broadway home for years. Therefore, it is no surprise that he commands an audience with charm and pizzazz, easily entertaining a full house at 54 Below with his new cabaret show STEPPIN' OUT.
BWW Reviews: Tony Yazbeck's THE FLOOR ABOVE ME at 54 Below is SpellbindingMarch 17, 2015Tony Yazbeck returned to 54 Below with The Floor Above Me, his tap filled cabaret show. Co-written and Co-directed by Yazbeck and Howard Emanuel, it explores the charismatic performers love for dance, his road to Broadway, and his career. Yazbeck unleashes his larger-than-life charm and talent, gifting audiences with a spellbinding performance.