Dean Johnson News

Lambert Jackson Productions and Crazy Coqs will present a virtual production of the Broadway musical First Date. The production will be filmed at Crazy Coqs, then made available for streaming 22 - 24 October at 7.30pm.

Today's top stories: watch the trailer for the upcoming Boys in the Band film adaptation, and more!

Lambert Jackson Productions and Crazy Coqs today announce a virtual production of the Broadway musical First Date. Dean Johnson directs Samantha Barks (Casey), Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Man #2), Rufus Kampa (Young Aaron), Simon Lipkin (Aaron), Nicholas McLean (Man #1), and Danielle Steers (Woman #1).

New York vocalist Kendra Shank pays tribute to her friend and mentor Abbey Lincoln (1930 - 2010) in a program of songs composed by the legendary singer, songwriter, actress, poet, civil rights activist, and NEA Jazz Master whose powerful messages of love, struggle, hope, and freedom are timeless and timely. Shank's CD A Spirit Free: Abbey Lincoln Songbook (2007, the first Lincoln songbook ever recorded) received a New York Times Critics' Choice, 4 stars in DownBeat, and numerous 'Best of the Year' awards, among other accolades.

Before Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman came Dogfight, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's 2012 off-Broadway musical. It tells the story of a group of marines' last night of debauchery in San Francisco before being shipped out to war in 1963. This gritty story of love and deception has been revived as part of the British Theatre Academy's 2019 summer season at Southwark Playhouse.

Jazz Philadelphia, the non-profit organization created to promote Philadelphia's thriving jazz scene and prolific jazz history, is proud to announce that two local artists - Paul Jost and Laurin Talese -- have been selected to be among 17 U.S. bands representing the diversity of American music to embark on two-week international tours in 2019-2020 as part of the American Music Abroad (AMA) international cultural exchange. AMA, created in 1957, is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implemented by the Association of American Voices. AMA fosters cross-cultural connections while showcasing America's rich and diverse musical traditions to a global audience.

Jazz Philadelphia, the non-profit organization created to promote Philadelphia's thriving jazz scene and prolific jazz history, is proud to announce that two local artists have been selected to be among 17 U.S. bands representing the diversity of American music to embark on two-week international tours in 2019-2020 as part of the American Music Abroad (AMA) international cultural exchange. AMA, created in 1957, is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implemented by the Association of American Voices. AMA fosters cross-cultural connections while showcasing America's rich and diverse musical traditions to a global audience. 

The British Theatre Academy gives aspiring young performers the chance to perform for free in top venues. Dozens of them have been preparing to perform in Cadogan Hall alongside Max Bowden, Luke Bayer, Laura Baldwin and Ramin Karimloo in a colourful semi-staged concert version of Stephen Schwartz's Godspell.

A new summer concert series will bring both top food trucks and well-known jazz musicians to Dolan Performance Hall on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown. With easy access from Route 24 at Convent Station, plenty of free parking, and excellent acoustics, Dolan Hall is a great music venue and having food trucks on campus starting at 5:30 will add to the festive atmosphere.

Laura Baldwin, Luke Bayer, Max Bowden, Rachel John, Ramin Karimloo Major West End guest stars are announced today to appear alongside students from the British Theatre Academy in a stunning semi-staged concert version of 'Godspell' at Cadogan Hall on Saturday 29 June.

When describing vocalist and arranger Paul Jost, two words come to mind … “passionate” and “storyteller”. To Paul, each lyric offers a story, a message, and a vehicle to convey his own interpretation and message. While Paul is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger, it's his vocal style that makes him standout. With his reputation as a vocalist growing, Paul has been filling rooms on the New York club scene as well as captivating audiences on festival stages both in the US and Europe.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the winners of the 46th Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The gala was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Southern California.

The British Theatre Academy is to produce Disney's My Son Pinocchio Jr. as part of its second annual summer season takeover at Southwark Playhouse.

The British Theatre Academy is to return to Southwark Playhouse for a second summer season of shows.

Swingin' singin' soprano saxophone player, Danny Bacher is making his Feinsteins/54 Below debut on Friday, December 21,2018 at 9:30 PM. The CD release concert celebrates the Festive Season and Bacher's new CD, STILL HAPPY. Appearing with him is his band: Broadway piano legend Allen Farnham ( The Lion King) and ace musicians, Dean Johnson (bass), Samuel Martinelli (drums), Harry Allen (tenor sax), and Charles Caranicas (trumpet).

Next week, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551.

Singer-Saxophonist, Danny Bacher is a fresh new face on the jazz landscape. His clean, crisp delivery is reminiscent of the true greats in entertainment. An engaging stage presence, a smooth-as-silk voice, and the gift of a storyteller all come together to complete his new recording, Still Happy

Paul Jost, the unique vocalist and arranger often described as a 'passionate storyteller', performs at Mezzrow Jazz Club, 163 W 10th St in New York, with his quartet today, August 21, 8 and 9:30 p.m. shows. Paul is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger but it is his work as a vocalist that makes him a standout. Performing music from his soon-to-be-released album, 'Simple Life,' he is joined by his quartet, the musicians on his album … Jim Ridl-piano, Dean Johnson-bass and Tim Horner-drums. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. There's a $20 cover charge. Reservations at www.mezzrow.com or call (646) 476-4346.

After two years in summer residence at the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, The British Theatre Academy are to present the acclaimed Broadway musical Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Book and Score and 4 Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, at Stockwell Playhouse from Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 August. 

Who better to perform a musical about a group of angsty German teens than an actual group of young people? Spring Awakening joins Bring It On and Goodnight Mr Tom as the British Theatre Academy's third show of the summer. This rock musical is beautifully designed and staged and features many talented young performers.