Anita Gillette News

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Woody Allen's only movie musical & a great resource for obscure cast recordings!

The Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud to present NY1 theater journalist Frank DiLella, who returned to the Birdland stage with the fourteenth episode of his talk show, "Show Biz After Hours With Frank DiLella.'

What does a musical coordinator do, you ask? Well, John Miller, one of Broadway's most respected in the field, swings by to discuss this pivotal role and some of his 100 plus Broadway credits... yes, that's right, 100 plus Broadway credits! 

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its schedule for May 22-May 28, featuring 'Four Generations of Miles' with Jimmy Cobb, Mike Stern, Buster Williams, Sonny Fortune, Glenn Close, Monday Michiru, and more. Scroll down for details!

Joseph Macchia, founder of Help Is on The Way Today, has announced the cast list and menu for Cabaret Cares' May 21st Annual Gala at Metropolitan Room.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: The schizophrenia of the 1970s, Mrs. Garrett slays Kander & Ebb, Bacall belts her face, why Lee Roy Reams is the best bartender, and Wright & Forrest start anew.

Richard Skipper Celebrates … The Songs of World War II (in honor of Armed Forces Day) Saturday May 20th 1pm at The Laurie Beechman Theatre.

Brilliant. Hysterical. Dangerous. Those three words best sum up veteran character actor Lewis Stadlen. A two time Tony nominee, Lewis has seen it all and has worked with the best. His many credits include MINNIE'S BOYS, the 1974 revival of CANDIDE, the 1996 revival of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, THE PRODUCERS, GUYS AND DOLLS, plus four Neil Simon premieres. And, now, Lewis sits down with Rob and Kevin to look back on his journey; unedited and unfiltered. 

Russ Woolley presents 'Richard Skipper Celebrates ... The Songs of World War II (in honor of Armed Forces Day)' on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 in a 1pm BRUNCH SHOW* (90 minutes) at The Laurie Beechman Theatre.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Who's Who of the Broadway Senior Home, ventriloquists on radio, Ethel and Elaine share a leading man, and the President sings! 

Tony Award winner Ted Sperling is one of Broadway's most sought after music directors. His brilliance and versatility have been on display in numerous Broadway musicals including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC; GUYS AND DOLLS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, THE FULL MONTY, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, MY FAVORITE YEAR, FALSETTOS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, LES MISERABLES, ROZA, and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Odd marketing, SNL does theatre, political correctness in musical theatre, Hal Prince tackles racism, and Ethel Merman sings Nirvana.

Sue Frost is one of the most inspirational producers working on Broadway. In addition to her indefatigable generosity, Sue is one of the theatre's loudest advocates for new musicals. In addition to the Tony Award winning Memphis, Sue also produced MAKE ME A SONG, FIRST DATE, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, and one of Behind the Curtain's favorite musicals, this season's COME FROM AWAY. Sue pulls back the curtain on her career, including how a train ride to Washington DC cemented her journey, what was the impetus to produce COME FROM AWAY, and why she refunded 1,506 people in one night! Also, Sue walks us through the process of producing a new musical! 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Rob and Kevin debate leaving shows at intermission and 'second act'-ing a show. Plus, Ann Miller's fourth wall, Bob Fosse's debut, Sammy Davis Jr comes to Broadway, and Freddie Martinez makes a come back.

'I had such a great time with those two sessions, I'm wondering if you'd like to do a third. With MISS SAIGON opening in March, I wouldn't mind doing a detailed description about how that show was written. There's a real story there and it's never been told.'

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Celebrating four legends who are no longer with us! Plus, Rob and Kevin recount some of the most bizarre theatre they have ever seen.

The Secret Service might make her nervous but it doesn't stop the wonderful Anita Gillette from telling all in this fascinating interview. Anita invited Rob and Kevin over to her apartment to look back on her Broadway credits including GYPSY, ALL-AMERICAN, MR. PRESIDENT, CABARET, and many others.  

To celebrate the 121st birthday of lyricist E.Y. 'Yip' Harburg, Richard Skipper has assembled a brunch time cabaret tribute to the legendary lyricist, to be staged at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on April 8, with cabaret stars Karen Oberlin, Leslie Orofino, Maureen Kelley Stewart and a special appearance by Anita Gilette.

She really Succeeded in (show) Business and last night in addition to her other accolades, Michele Lee was presented with the Manhattan Association Of Cabaret & Clubs Lifetime Achievement Award. The Broadway Actress and film star, sing, dancer, producer, TV, and cabaret performer was introduced by her good friend Sarah Bernhard, who also noted that Michele is an activist for many social causes. Nobody still does or does it like Michele Lee (to paraphrase Cy Coleman) and she recently was seen on Broadway in WICKED. This summer Michele will be in the New York area when she brings her show 'Nobody Does It Like Me' to Barrington Stage Company on July 31st with her musical director and composer Ron Abel.