David Clarke - Page 30

54 BELOW has a successful series of one-offs where a talented cast sings the music of a certain show or group. Last Saturday the popular venue hosted 54 BELOW Sings Heart. Channeling the cherished goddesses of rock with might and candor, the cast left the audience pumped and euphoric.

54 BELOW always books the best of the best talent. Therefore, it was no great surprise to see Jessica Vosk's name appear on their calendar. She gave a thrilling performance as Anita in San Francisco Symphony's production of WEST SIDE STORY, she was the only female swing in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and now she's creating a role in FINDING NEVERLAND. Recently, I chatted with her about her debut NYC solo show and her growing star.

I adore well written scores and gorgeous orchestral pieces, so I was thrilled when THE ROOSEVELTS: AN INTIMATE HISTORY (Original Score) landed in my mailbox. This music was chosen and written to accompany the film by the same title by Ken Burns, and it also serves as a gorgeous slice of Americana.

Stearns Matthews, a 2015 Bistro Award winner for Outstanding Recording, celebrated the late 2014 release of his debut album Spark last night at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Giving an encore performance of his critically lauded Spark CD Release Show, the accomplished performer and three-time MAC Award nominee entertained audiences with his whimsical set and his dazzling and bright lyric baritone instrument.

It's mid-February and all the stores are filled with red hearts and chocolates in an effort to bamboozle us into thinking love is in the air. Frankly, it may still be too chilly for love to survive in the air. Despite this, Alysha Umphress and Joshua Henry heated up 54 BELOW earlier this week with their sizzling, jazzy cabaret Romantic Duets.

Since THE LAST FIVE YEARS' New York debut, this intimate musical about failed romance has been an evergreen favorite. Just in time for Valentine's Day audiences are being given the opportunity to fall in love with the material all over again. Today, Sh-K-Boom and Razor & Tie released the hotly anticipated THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), and the record is anything but disappointing.

The ensemble of the smash-hit musical Les Miserables has got to be one of the hardest working ensembles on Broadway. Last night this talented group impressed audiences by casting the wigs, dirt, and grime aside and singing the music that makes them tick at 54 BELOW.

In her current cabaret show at 54 BELOW, Marin Mazzie is taking audiences on a whirlwind ride through her formative years in Rockford, Illinois. She deftly interprets the hit music from the 1970s, making each of the iconic songs her own. With her brand of majestic power, dazzling belt, and her supple alto instrument, Mazzie enchants with her song selections and stories alike.

Original Cast Records is continuing to shed light on forgotten Broadway tunes with their Lost Broadway and More series. Most recently, they highlighted the overlooked tunes of the legendary Jerome Kern by releasing LOST BROADWAY AND MORE, VOLUME 6: JEROME KERN. The disc is a treasure trove of hit ditties from the early 20th century, and each gem is delightfully sung.

For Canfield and Kelly's From Broadway to Survivor cabaret, the charming couple shared with audiences their New York experiences, love story, and their vibrant talents. This made for a fun night of Broadway showmanship that amused the collected audience.

Kimberly Faye Greenberg, again playing the legendary Fanny Brice, released FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & STORIES OF FANNY BRICE last summer. With deft skill, she brings Fanny Brice back to life on the recording, allowing modern audiences a chance to enjoy a taste of the woman who inspired the hit musical FUNNY GIRL.

While many are looking forward to the upcoming Broadway revival of THE KING AND I starting rehearsals, a controversial decision to cast a Caucasian actor as King Mongkut in Dallas Summer Musicals' forthcoming production is generating the opposite response. The Asian American Performers Action Coalition wrote an open letter to DSM expressing their disgust with the organization's choice to use the practice of yellowface.

Musical theater and pop music composer Scott Alan kicked off this week with incredible gusto, retuning to New York City stages after a year and a half. Monday's Simply Scott Alan concert marked the prolific and beloved artist's 54 BELOW debut, and served as a fantastic evening of wondrous music and dazzling performances. The concert was a celebration of some his most cherished tunes and his musical Home.

With Max von Essen returning to Broadway in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at The Palace Theatre, it's the perfect time to dig up the concept cast albums for Jonathan David Sloate's THE NEW PICASSO. Spanning two discs, the music to this romantic fantasy piece is equal parts stirring and familiar.

It is really no surprise to me that the first musical to open on Broadway in 2015 garnered impressive raves from New York critics. This smartly crafted piece of theatre candy is just sweet and sassy enough. One of the reasons why it is such a gem is because of its fantastically constructed score. Jason Robert Brown layers glitz and glamour on HONEYMOON IN VEGAS, but his trademark nuances and subtleties also add delightful zest and depth to this appealing score.

The closing cast of Broadway's ONCE assembled at the gorgeous Highline Ballroom for a night of music for Fare-Thee-Well ONCE. To kick the evening off, Ben Hope and his rollicking country band The Uptown Outfit performed music from their upcoming album. Ben Hope and The Uptown Outfit rocked the audience with their twang-coated spirit.

Currently wowing audiences eight times a week as the sassy and tenacious Cynthia Weil in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, Anika Larsen recently released her debut solo album, SING YOU TO SLEEP. Sprinkling in subdued jazz, Anika Larsen invites us to loosen our ties, kick off our shoes, and cuddle up with her gentle crooning as we listen to the deliciously soothing SING ME TO SLEEP.

Canadian transplants and New York based theater artists AnimalParts, co-founded by Anthony Johnston and Nathan Schwartz, are bringing their latest play to life in New York. A QUIET SIP OF COFFEE: OR, THIS IS NOT THE PLAY WE'VE WRITTEN opens this weekend at New York City's Dixon Place. In anticipation of opening night, Anthony Johnston and I chatted about A QUIET SIP OF COFFEE.

In a market dominated largely by living legends, the young and up-and-coming composers musical theatre have a hard time breaking into the scene. However, that's not keeping Drew Gasparini from sharing his music wherever and whenever he can. Gasparini invited fans and newcomers to his ongoing party with KEEPIN' THE PARTY GOING at 54 BELOW on Monday, January 5, 2015.

Last August, the 12.14 Foundation premiered Michael Unger and Eric Svejcar's A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream. This week, the new musical comes to New York City at 54 BELOW. With a ton of energy and some serious vocal talent, the kids involved with the 12.14 Foundation and the Broadway vetted adults bring fabulous new life to William Shakespeare's classic tale of love and fairy mischief.