David Clarke - Page 32

The new musical VALLEY OF SONG opened to positive notices from critics. Left incomplete at Ivor Novello's death, Christopher Hassall finished the piece. The recording captures the spirit of classical musicals as the score abounds with the whimsy of Rodgers + Hammerstein and Lerner and Loewe. Despite these merits, VALLEY OF SONG (Original Cast Recording) suffers some shortcomings.

Celebrated solo cabaret performer Stearns Matthews recently released his debut solo album SPARK. The record serves as a wonderful introduction to his earnest and soothing lyrical baritone instrument. Each of the 11 tracks on the album is a song most already know and love, piquing interest in SPARK. Yet, Stearns Matthews wins us over as he sings them in such a way that the numbers sound completely brand new again.

Two-time Tony nominee and Broadway sweetheart, Laura Osnes is charming patrons of 54 BELOW with her new cabaret show The Paths Not Taken. As she has done in the past at venues like Cafe Carlyle and even with pervious appearances at 54 BELOW, Osnes captivates audiences with her deft talent, bubbly charisma, and incandescent spirit as she takes us on a journey through the roles she didn't get or left behind.

This year, Ron Lytle released the original studio cast recording to his musical THE MAN WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS: A NEW OLD-FASHIONED MUSICAL. Like the made for TV CBS film, the World War I set musical is based on the true story of A.C. Gilbert. However, Ron Lytle tells the heartwarming holiday story with splashy old-fashioned Broadway tunes. The mirthful spirit of the production is captured on the recording, which left me curious to see the musical staged.

On December 8, 2014, Houston, Texas took 54 BELOW by storm during the inaugural Cuz We're F#cking Talented cabaret concert at the esteemed venue. Nestled in the basement of the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street in New York City, this packed to capacity 11:30 p.m. on a Monday night performance of the new series featured a mix of Broadway's and Houston's best talents belting and riffing for the sheer joy of killing it in live performance. Why? Well, why not?

Recently Ghostlight Records released the astounding original cast recording of VENICE. The Off-Broadway musical features a book by Eric Rosen, music by Matt Sax, lyrics by Sax and Rosen, and additional music by Curtis Moore. The cast album is quite possibly one of the most exciting recordings I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

Having seen Mary Testa in a cabaret concert in Houston, I feel I had an idea of what to expect from her and Michael Starobin's album HAVE FAITH. While I expected it to be eccentrically eclectic and haunting, nothing could have prepared me for how it was beautifully hypnotizing and simultaneously so unlike anything I've ever heard before. The unique album utilizes well-known pop songs (hits from The Beach Boys to Alanis Morissette) and songs written by William Finn and Michael John LaChiusa to explore thoughts on faith and doubt in ways that are equally alluring and unexpected.

54 BELOW kicked off the "Frank and Friends" portion of 54 BELOW Celebrates Frank Wildhorn concerts last night with Wildhorn at the piano as a handful of his friends, new and old, take the stage to sing his classic hits. Keeping true to the cabaret setting, many of the songs were re-orchestrated to be bluesy, jazz masterpieces that perfectly filled the snug venue and gave the numbers a new life.

For all of the Frank Wildhorn fans 54 BELOW is stuffing their stockings with a fantastic treat this December. The beloved venue launched their 54 BELOW Celebrates Frank Wildhorn concerts with a Bonnie & Clyde reunion where audiences got to experience the exciting score live. The high-octane concert proved that Bonnie and Clyde still have life in them yet.

Annaleigh Ashford opened her solo cabaret Lost In The Stars at 54 BELOW last night. With a deft sense of humor, a glowing smile, a big spoon, and indefatigable pizazz, Ashford brought the 70s back to life with her inspired takes on disco classics and other pop anthems that we all know by heart. Ashford's Lost In The Stars gives audiences perfectly offers audiences a performance that ranges from mild to wild but never fails to impress.

Houston is coming to New York City, y'all! Tyce Green will be making his NYC cabaret debut in CUZ WE'RE F#CKING TALENTED at the intimate 54 BELOW. Joining him are Houston favorites Arielle Murphy and Holland Vavra and Broadway veterans Katie Rose Clarke, Constantine Maroulis, Anthony Rapp, Kate Rockwell, and more.

At the age of 14, actress Abigail Shapiro is quite the busy lady. With credits like Cindy Lou Who in HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! and the titular character in LIBERTY under her belt, she is currently gearing up to portray Sara Crewe in a special cabaret presentation of Andrew Lippa's musical A LITTLE PRINCESS. Recently, she and I sat down to discuss this exciting, new cabaret event.

On September 24, 2014 Migguel Anggelo enchanted audiences with his concert BETWEEN DREAMS/ENTRE SUEÑOS. Luckily for those who missed it or for those who want to see it again, he and Joe's Pub are bringing the concert back on December 2, 2014. Recently, he and I sat down together to discuss the upcoming concert and why everyone, whether you saw it last time or not, should be excited to see its return.

With another holiday season upon us, it's time to celebrate time honored traditions, and in keeping with what's become a New York tradition, Steve Tyrell is celebrating his 10th year as the holiday season entertainment at the swanky Café Caryle on the Upper East Side (through New Year's Eve). This Grammy award-winning record producer and singer is treating audiences to his latest cabaret show, That Lovin' Feelin', which features hit tunes that are the heartbeat of America.

Last week, New York based jazz duo Magos & Limon took the stage at Joe's Pub. Jazz vocalist Magos Herrera hails from Mexico City and has garnered great attention for her singing abilities. Javier Limon, who plays minimalist Flamenco on guitar, is originally from Madrid. Together the duo bridges the gap between their home countries and creates a unique and intriguing sound that lures the audience into the performance and croons to the soul.

Ever since WICKED made her a household name, there isn't much that Kristin Chenoweth does that doesn't make Broadway babies jump with joy. Recently, the Broadway megastar returned to her hometown of Broken Arrow, OK for a series of concerts. Concord Music Group has released Kristin Chenoweth's first-ever live album COMING HOME, and she enchants audiences with her signature vocal talent and charm.

Come one, come all to the musical you help create. Just a few blocks north of the heart of Times Square, the vastly talented improv actors, orchestra, and crew of BLANK! THE MUSICAL are treating audiences to the opening and closing night of a musical. (No, they're not reviving the 1988 production of CARRIE.) When you enter New World Stages for BLANK! THE MUSICAL, you'll have no idea what you're in for in the best of possible ways.

While many know Rachel Potter as the breakout Broadway star from the EVITA revival, she also wowed audiences on Fox's The X Factor with her stellar rendition of Queen's 'Somebody to Love.' Following a recent concert, I sat down with Rachel Potter to discuss NOT SO BLACK AND WHITE, her upcoming solo country album.

For fans of JERSEY BOYS, today is the day you have been waiting for because the film adaptation of the musical is now in stores. Available on both DVD and Blu-ray, the fascinating film is directed by Clint Eastwood. John Lloyd Young reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen stars as Bob Gaudio, with Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi, Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito, and Christopher Walken as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.

Someone is killing the heterosexuals in New York City based performance art company AnimalParts' latest mind-bending theatrical offering, REVENGE OF THE POPINJAY. With a bold sense of humor and a deeply intellectual aesthetic, REVENGE OF THE POPINJAY, a not for the faint of heart experimental rap-horror show, takes audiences on a wild ride through the chaos of string theory while pristinely satirizing homophobia.