David Clarke - Page 37

Daniel Waters' quirky and deliciously dark 1989 film Heathers is a beloved cult classic known for catchy one-liners and its wonderfully subversive humor. Naturally, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL garnered a lot of interest because of the film's reputation. However, once the World Premiere Cast Album was released, we all got a peek inside the peculiar musical. Sadly, the glimpses offered on the disc are largely disappointing and entirely underwhelming.

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey collaborated together for a second Broadway musical, IF/THEN. After making a splash with NEXT TO NORMAL, anticipation for IF/THEN was high. Once stars like Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and LaChanze were attached, theatergoers saw a hit beginning to blossom. The reviews of its opening night on Broadway were mixed, and listening to the Original Broadway Cast Album illuminates why.

Based on the rocky romance shared by quintessential Irish wordsmith James Joyce and his muse, chambermaid Nora Barnacle, HIMSELF AND NORA enjoyed a successful run as part of NYMTF at the Theatre at St. Clement's in the summer of 2012. With a sparse cast of five, tautly constructed economical harmonies, and a small five member band, Jay Records' release of HIMSELF AND NORA (Original Off-Broadway Cast) excellently captures the heart and soul of this biographic musical.

When it comes to contemporary classics in American musical theatre, just the sheer mention of Leonard Bernstein's WEST SIDE STORY is enough to get any fan of the medium listening. His clever orchestrations, drive and ambition, and unique construction made the show a hallmark of the genre that is still adored and studied today.

Back in April, I had the pleasure of reviewing A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Original Broadway Cast Recording). My initial thoughts were that the recording was witty and intriguing, but without the context of the show I couldn't really connect with it. Conversely, I got to see a recent performance of the Tony Award winning comedic musical. Upon revisiting the album, I can't shake most of the deliciously clever songs.

An often over-looked subject in the musical genre is the hardworking, semi-rural blue-collar working class American, but that is exactly the focus of HANDS ON A HARDBODY. The Texas-centric musical, based on the 1997 documentary of the same title, is enjoying a phenomenal Texas Premiere.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform? Are you curious what it is like when one becomes a drag queen? Are you curious about gender? If you answered yes or no to any of these questions, Donald C. Shorter's original one-man show GENDEROSITY is sure to entertain and enlighten you. Recently, I chatted with Shorter about his invigorating and fresh project and what audiences can expect from it.

When it comes to social dating apps, Grindr is one of the most ubiquitous. While not the first, it definitely shook up the world of digital dating, and has earned several different reputations for itself. Naturally, it is ripe for being the basis of a musical. This summer, audiences will no longer have to imagine what one would be like because GRINDR: THE MUSICAL is set to premiere at the 2014 West Village Musical Theatre Festival. Recently, I chatted with music, book, and lyrics writer Jacob Tischler and social media co-head Justin Petersen about their exciting, upcoming project.

Fabulously entertaining fans eight times a week, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY: THE MUSICAL, based on the 1994 Woody Allen film of the same name, racked up six Tony Nominations this year. The musical comedy also recently released its Original Broadway Cast Recording, featuring a score of music from the 1920s adapted by Glen Kelly, with orchestrations by Doug Besterman. If you're like me, you haven't seen the show yet, and this enthralling album will leave you longing to see the splashy spectacle, smiling, and singing along with glee.

I had never heard of the television musical ANDROCLES AND THE LION until Masterworks Broadway announced they'd be releasing the cast recording. NBC originally aired the broadcast on November 16, 1967, and it was met with mixed reviews. Shortly thereafter, the show vanished. Now, with Masterworks Broadway recent release, this entirely forgotten gem is seeing the light of day again.

In the vein of Michael Buble, Nick Ziobro recently released his pop/jazz album A LOT OF LIVIN' TO DO. Produced by Michael Feinstein, this collection features a charming mix of Broadway, Jazz, and Pop favorites all arranged by Tedd Firth to showcase Ziobro's attractive vocal instrument. As a cohesive jazz album, Ziobro's A LOT OF LIVIN' TO DO is the perfect companion for a romantic date night or a relaxing, quiet night at home with your favorite spirits.

Jay Records, with the support of The Kurt Weill Foundation, digitally released the first complete recording of composer Kurt Weill and lyricist Ogden Nash's score to the 1943 musical ONE TOUCH OF VENUS on October 7, 2013, and the sterling recording had its physical CD release on May 13, 2014. Originally announced over ten years ago, fans eagerly anticipated the album for years. Luckily for us listeners, the recording was well worth the wait.

After being gone for far too long Bayou City Theatrics returned to the Houston Theater Scene with a lovely new venue and a fun production of the Off-Broadway musical comedy BAT BOY. Still renovating their new space, the performance I attended was rough around the edges. However, it is clear that Colton Berry, Jane Volke, and team are back and ready to take the Houston theatre scene by storm.

Houston Ballet is closing their 2013-2014 season with a gorgeous revival of Stanton Welch's SWAN LAKE. Settling in for the lengthy production, I could barely contain my excitement. Impressed as I was by the show, I discovered that Darren Aronosky's Black Swan left me with expectations for the ballet that were not delivered.

It's that time of year, and I can't help but wonder if your CD collection and iPod are Tonys ready. This Broadway season has some really interesting 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 the very least pre-ordering).

TUTS Underground is cooking up a musical treat that is as Texan as Pecan Pie with their Texas Premiere of HANDS ON A HARDBODY, a musical based on the 1997 documentary by the same title. BroadwayWorld - Houston was invited to attend a rehearsal of HANDS ON A HARDBODY. We got to bring our camera along to snap some photos and give our readers a sneak peek at the exciting production.

The always charming and incredibly talented Jinkx Monsoon proved to the American public that it was truly Monsoon Season for the last year. On May 19, 2014, she passed on the RuPaul's Drag Race crown to the sixth season's winner Bianca Del Rio. Certainly Hurricane Bianca is sure to rattle the world, but for all intents and purposes it is still Monsoon Season the world over. Jinkx Monsoon is going strong, working harder than ever, and proving that she is a talent to be reckoned with. Shortly after she helped coronate Binaca Del Rio, I chatted with Jinkx Monsoon about her career, THE INEVITABLE ALBUM, her debut solo album, and what's next for the indefatigable star.

Christopher Durang was the talk of 2013 because of his gloomy new comedy VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE. Following a successful 2012 World Premiere in New Jersey, the show moved Off-Broadway before transitioning to Broadway and earned numerous award nominations, a handful of awards, and many positive reviews. When the Alley Theatre announced the show for this season, anticipation was high. Sadly, Houston audiences aren't quite getting the show they expected.

On the heels of Memorial Day, Broadway Across America - Houston is presenting the First US National Tour of the acclaimed play WAR HORSE. The visually spectacular production first premiered on London's Off-West End in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre. It transferred to the West End's New London Theatre, where it is still running. It enjoyed Broadway success at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at New York City's Lincoln Center. It has since been produced in Canada, Australia, and Germany. After seeing this tour, it is no surprise that everywhere the play goes, it leaves tear-soaked audiences speechless and amazed.

There is always something exciting happening in Houston's theatre scene, and one of our latest additions is promising to promote education in the arts while offering exhilarating cabaret concerts as well. Recently, I caught up with locally based actor and producer Tyce Green at Empire Cafe on Westheimer Road to discuss his exciting, new Straight From New York Workshop and Concert series.