Chris Jackson News

In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, will make a return with much of its original Broadway cast for one night only this February.

In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, will make a return with much of its original Broadway cast for one night only this February.

Today we are talking again to one of Broadway's recent rising stars all about his sensational sophomore solo album, STILL DREAMING OF PARADISE, as well as his role in this weekend's invitation-only reading of the new musical AMAZING GRACE - 2011-2012 season standout and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tony Award nominee Josh Young. Espousing on the many elements that converged to make his solo album a reality, Young outlines his process with his close collaborators by discussing the imperative inspirations, subsequent arrangement experimentation, actual studio recording, scientific song selection process, major project goals and a lot more, as well as shares memories of what many of the album's tracks mean to him on a personal level and what we can expect from albums from him in the future, near and far. Plus, Young reveals his affection for his first major New York post-SUPERSTAR production, AMAZING GRACE, as he shares his enthusiasm for the daring subject, rich source material - no less than the life of controversial historical figure John Newton - and the purportedly thrilling new score composed for it and the unique and compelling tale behind it as the new musical takes this next step in its developmental process in the Lincoln Center-set industry presentation. Additionally, Young touches upon his favorite memories from the Tony Awards and participating in the Transport Group's recent concert production of BABY - and much, much more!

Saycon Sengbloh (Hair, Fela!, Wicked), Sarah Stiles (Into The Woods), Christopher Jackson (In The Heights), and Lady Rizo (Lady Rizo: Unescorted @ Joe's Pub, The Lily's Revenge) lead the lineup of performers to join Max Vernon, one of the most innovative young voices in contemporary musical theater, in his return to Joe's Pub on November 30 at 9:30PM.

Two years ago, Broadway favorite Lin-Manuel Miranda tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, Vanessa, in an intimate celebration amongst family and friends. He just posted the below video of a surprise performance from his IN THE HEIGHTS cast.

Seth Rudetsky will host/music direct NOT SINCE HIGH SCHOOL at 7:30, tonight, June 18th at XL (512 West 42nd Street). The show will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Academy (http://www.cba-va.org/) a school for children with learning issues.

Today, June 17th Revolve Theatre Company opens A Number, by Caryl Churchill, its fourth production, directed by YDP Artistic Director James Rayfield and starring YDP Director Chris Jackson and Tampa Bay favorite Steve Garland.

XL Cabaret, Nightclub and Lounge has announced its upcoming shows for June 2012. See below for full details. XL is located at 512 West 42nd Street, just west of 10th Avenue. Tickets may be purchased in advance at xlcabaret.com or at the XL Box Office one hour prior to show time.

The teenage mind is getting a dramatic exploration as the Gorilla Theatre presents its 12th annual Young Dramatists' Project, which opened May 31 for eight performances until June 10 at the TECO Energy Foundation Theatre in the Patel Conservatory.

Seth Rudetsky will host/music direct NOT SINCE HIGH SCHOOL at 7:30, Monday June 18th at XL (512 West 42nd Street). The show will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Academy (http://www.cba-va.org/) a school for children with learning issues.

XL Cabaret has announced its upcoming shows for May and June 2012, featuring RuPaul's Drag Race Winner Bebe Zarah Benet, a work by Seth Rudetsky and more. See the full schedule below.

Squint will premiere the new play BROKEN NEWS at the New Wimbledon Studio on the 4, 5, 6 & 7th of April at 7.45pm.

Squint will premiere the new play BROKEN NEWS at the New Wimbledon Studio on the 4, 5, 6 & 7th of April at 7.45pm.

Squint will premiere the new play BROKEN NEWS at the New Wimbledon Studio on the 4, 5, 6 & 7th of April at 7.45pm.

Aside from the treat of Jackson himself, the audience was also treated to surprise guest Jane Krawkoski and other guest stars - Michael Winthers and Paul Castree. After the concert, BroadwayWorld.com went backstage to capture some shots of the triumphant stars!

On Sunday, September 18th at 8pm, singer-songwriter Eli Bolin (I Sing!) presented his original music along with guest stars Anthony Rapp (RENT), Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), Ann Harada (Ave. Q), Greg Hildreth (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Shaina Taub (The Daughters), Allison Posner (Volleygirls), Olli Haaskivi (The Bardy Bunch) and lyricist Sam Forman. The concert was directed by Laura Pietropinto.

Tampa Bay's professional theaters announce the first annual Jeff Norton Theater Awards to be held Monday, August 22 at The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL. The event starts at 7pm with after-party to follow.

Tampa Bay's professional theaters announce the first annual Jeff Norton Theater Awards to be held Monday, August 22 at The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL. The event starts at 7pm with after-party to follow.

The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation held its 1st Annual Bright Lights, Shining Stars Gala at the Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU and clearly delivered on its promise of a star studded evening of music & dance with one show-stopping number after another. Following cocktails hosted by Honorary Co-Chairs Cassandra Seidenfeld Lyster and Robin Cofer, eager guests flooded into the elegant theater for an evening of unforgettable moments.

Amongst the winners were several with Broadway backgrounds: Bill Sherman (composer) and Chris Jackson (lyricist) for Sesame Street's original song 'What I Am' and Willie Reale as a co-executive producer of The Electric Company on PBS.