James Parks
Latest News on James Parks
|
Bio:
A native of Frederick, MD, James’ love for the stage began at age four when he sang an innocent rendition of Love Shack at his parent’s square dance. From there he began disrupting second grade classes by breaking out in song, singing Shania Twain at fairs, complete with animal face paint, and ...
(read complete bio)
|
Latest News on James Parks
Stage Credits
Photos
jamesparks,kaylacatan,joyahspangler,ericpeters,isaiahhein,andtonytillmaninascenefromloveactuallytheunauthorizedmusicalparody(photobyrussrowland).jpg)
James Parks, Kayla Catan, Joyah Spangler, Eric Peters, Isaiah Hein, and Tony Tillman
tonytillman,ericpeters,isaiahhein;(l-r,front)joyahspangler,jamesparks,andkaylacataninascenefromloveactuallytheunauthorizedmusicalparody(photobyrussrowland).jpg)
Tony Tillman, Eric Peters, Isaiah Hein, Joyah Spangler, James Parks, and Kayla Catan
.jpg)
Kayla Catan and James Parks
ericpeters,jamesparks,andjoyahspanglerinascenefromloveactuallytheunauthorizedmusicalparody(photobyrussrowland).jpg)
Eric Peters, James Parks, and Joyah Spangler
ericpeters,jamesparks,andtonytillmaninascenefromloveactuallytheunauthorizedmusicalparody(photobyrussrowland).jpg)
Eric Peters, James Parks, and Tony Tillman
Stage
PerformancesJames Parks Biography
A native of Frederick, MD, James’ love for the stage began at age four when he sang an innocent rendition of Love Shack at his parent’s square dance. From there he began disrupting second grade classes by breaking out in song, singing Shania Twain at fairs, complete with animal face paint, and refusing to let the home videos end until he had sung all of We Shall Overcome. His parents quickly enrolled him in Frederick Children’s Chorus, in which he funneled all of his musical energy until leaving Frederick.In middle school, James auditioned for his first musical with the Fredericktowne Players. It was an utter disaster (he couldn't remember the tune to Jingle Bell Rock,) but somehow he received quite a substantial role. From there, he got involved with the Maryland Ensemble Theater which would provide most of his middle school training in theater, with focus in improvisation.
During high school, James found many opportunities to gain a strong focus on both music and theater. In 2001, he graduated from the Frederick Children's Chorus into Frederick Chamber Singers, and eventually became a conducting intern for the children's chorus. In 2004, he became a founding member of a youth acting troupe named Actors Anonymous that would successfully perform from the Maryland Ensemble Theater for another three years. For his senior, project he recorded a Christmas album and sold it throughout Frederick, MD, giving all proceeds to Christmas Cash for Kids, a local charity. By the end of high school, James had performed with many theaters, including The Maryland Ensemble Theater, Way Off-Broadway, Fredericktowne Players, MET-X, The Fun Company, SAB Productions, Patriot Point, Village Dinner Theater, and TJ Stage.
After high school, James applied and was accepted to the nation’s oldest music conservatory, Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins. His Peabody Career included performances in Company, Les Contes D’Hoffman, Die Zauberflöte, L’Histoire du Soldat, Ring Dang Doo, and the outreach opera, Hansel and Gretel. While at Peabody, he studied with celebrated American Baritone, William Sharp. James founded and directed Peabody’s theatrical improv workshop which was aimed at instrumental musicians overcoming stage fright, and Just Music N Theatricks, which produced a production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Before James left Baltimore, he was given the opportunity to take part in the world premiere production of Zippy the Pinhead! the Musical by Lorraine Whittlesey, where he played the rapping villainous Mr. the Toad.
Following his graduation from The Peabody Conservatory, James went to New York University Steinhardt for a Masters of Music and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. At NYU, James performed in Street Scene, From Berlin to Broadway: The Music of Kurt Weill, BullFright, Lunch with Moto, and Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. The two year program also gave James the chance to serve as adjunct faculty and began his teaching career with both private students and group vocal class. At NYU, James studied with Matthew Shepard Smith.
James’ awards include two finalist positions in the Frederick Talent Search, 1st place in the 2004 Shepherd College Vocal Competition, 2005 MD Distinguished Scholar in the Arts, and Honorable Mention in the 2007 Sue Geots Ross Memorial Competition.
Past teachers and coaches have included Carol DeSantis, Judy DuBose, Ernest Ligon, Frank G. Shiro, Stan Tucker, Michael Riccardone, A. Scott Parry, and Rick Joyce.
When not singing or acting, James can usually be found exploring the urban jungle, reading historical fiction or theology, having abstract philosophical conversations, or trying new foods.
James Parks News
Photos: First Look at LOVE ACTUALLY? THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY Off-Broadway!by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2021
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody, a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually, today released a first look at production photos for the off-Broadway return.
Photos: LOVE ACTUALLY? THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY Celebrates Opening Night!by Nicole Rosky - Dec 1, 2021
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody, a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually, opened just last night at the Jerry Orbach Theater at The Theater Center (210 West 50th Street).
LOVE ACTUALLY THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY Begins Performances This Wednesdayby Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 22, 2021
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody, a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually, returns off-Broadway with performances beginning this Wednesday, November 24th at 7pm at the Jerry Orbach Theater at The Theater Center (210 West 50th Street).
LOVE ACTUALLY? THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY All-Chicago Cast Announcedby A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2021
Right Angle Entertainment announces the all-Chicago cast of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody. The Chicago production of the off-Broadway hit is a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually. The musical is written by Bob and Tobly McSmith, creators of the smash hits The Office! A Musical Parody and Friends! The Musical Parody, with music and orchestration by Basil Winterbottom.
Casting Announced for the Off-Broadway Return of LOVE ACTUALLY? THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODYby Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 25, 2021
Right Angle Entertainment announced today the complete casting for the off-Broadway return of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody, a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually.
Photo Flash: Inside The NYC Reading Of The New Musical 57 BUSby Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2020
The new musical 57 Bus by RYAN M. LUEVANO and JILL HOFFMANN had a successful developmental reading in New York City on Monday February 24th, 2020. The reading took place at The Growing Studios and had a full house of over 80 theatre lovers. The audience submitted anonymous surveys after the presentation and used the following words to describe the musical: “Youthful, deep, powerful, insightful, heartfelt, thought-provoking, effervescent, important, relevant, informative, poignant, inspiring, and relatable”.
Cast Announced For New York Developmental Reading Of 57 BUS
VIDEO: LOVE ACTUALLY?'s Kayla Catan Takes Over Instagram!by Linnae Medeiros - Dec 16, 2019
We got in the holiday spirit this weekend as Kayla Catan took over BroadwayWorld's Instagram Story at Off-Broadway's Love Actually? at The Jerry Orbach Theater. So in case you missed it (or just want to relive all of the fun and excitement), we compiled clips for you to enjoy. Check it all out!
BWW Review: Now is the Perfect Time to Fall in Love with LOVE ACTUALLY?by Kristen Morale - Dec 16, 2019
Love Actually?: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is the hilarious new show by Bob and Tobly McSmith, now in performances at the Jerry Orbach Theater. Bob and Tobly, who are also responsible for such productions as Friends! The Musical Parody and Full House! The Musical (starring Perez Hilton), can now be credited with yet another success in the form of Love Actually?, which takes the characters from Richard Curtis' original film and, under the direction of Tim Drucker, gives them a bit more flare than would have otherwise been deemed appropriate.
LOVE ACTUALLY?'s Kayla Catan Takes Over Instagram Sunday!by Linnae Medeiros - Dec 14, 2019
It's time to get in the holiday spirit because Kayla Catan is taking over BroadwayWorld's Instagram Story at Off-Broadway's Love Actually? this Sunday, December 15th at The Jerry Orbach Theater. Be sure to tune in throughout the day to get a peek behind the scenes of Off-Broadway's unauthorized musical parody of the classic holiday film. Love is going to be all around, so you're not gonna want to miss it!
James Parks Videos
by Caryn Robbins - Dec 23, 2015
Quentin Tarantino stopped by 'Popcorn with Peter Travers' to talk about his new film 'The Hateful Eight' and revealed why Samuel L. Jackson appears in nearly all of his films.
by Caryn Robbins - Aug 12, 2015
The first trailer for Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT has been released. The film will open in select theaters on December 25, 2015 with a digital theatrical release nationwide on January 8, 2016.
by Movies News Desk - Apr 16, 2015
Below, check out the first official trailer for Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT! Although the teaser doesn't reveal much, we know there will be plenty of blood...
