Richard Amaro

Photo Flash: Terrence McNally, Alan Cumming, and More Attend CHITA'S BACK! at Birdland
by Sally Henry Fuller - Oct 12, 2014

There was a happening on West 44th Street! For a week, Chita Rivera brought her joyful, razzle-dazzling nightclub act to Birdland, which she calls her favorite room in the city. “These walls are filled with the best music! Playing Birdland just makes me feel cool,” she proclaimed. As if her iconic Broadway career wasn't cool enough, “Chita's Back” was a concert for the history books – with the ever-youthful legend in fine fettle; singing, dancing and telling some of the best insider stories any theater-lover could hope for. Material from Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, West Side Story and The Visitwere included, as well as a James Taylor duet with daughter, Lisa Mordente. The swinging was band led by guitarist/percussionist Michael Croiter, with Michael Patrick Walker on piano, Jim Donica on bass, and Dan Willis on saxophone.

BABALU: Celebrating The Music Of Desi Arnaz
by Beau Higgins - Jul 9, 2010

BABALU was a fine night at the theater. I am not positive yet if it is a revue, a nightclub act, or a Broadway musical trying to find its way. Filled with the music of Desi Arnaz, and a few others, this show is a love letter from Lucie Arnaz to her much adored father, Desi. She talks a lot about her father, sings and dances to music from his career and spends the performance as a charming host. Lucie looks beautiful, and her singing is wonderful. She appears to be having a fine time, and certainly wants the audience to have a great time.

RAMON DEL BARRIO: The Man Who Makes BABALU Dance!
by Beau Higgins - Jul 4, 2010

Ramon Del Barrio has been in show business for some forty years. At the age of seven he became a Billy The Kid clothing model, officially entering this business we call show. Joining us as we travel through Ramon's life will be such names as JERSEY BOYS, GUYS & DOLLS, CHITA RIVERA, DONNA McKECHNIE, FRED ASTAIRE, GENE KELLY, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL, DESI ARNAZ, JOSE FERRER, JUDITH JAMISON, DES McANUFF, BOB FOSSE, MICHAEL BENNETT, LUCIE ARNAZ, and a few others.