Erich Kunzel News

Ravinia Festival Chairperson Pamela B. Strobel and President and CEO Welz Kauffman today announced details of the 2009 season of music theater and dance events.

America's premier show choir, the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers, will perform its 59th annual spring concert, 'A Celebration of American Popular Music,' at IU Auditorium April 4 at 8 p.m. The vocal ensemble performs American popular music, jazz and Broadway favorites with dazzling choreography, energy and style.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within The West Bank Caf? (407 West 42nd St.), is pleased to continue our Friday night soiree, THE AFTER PARTY. Now going strong it's third, THE AFTER PARTY is billed as 'a weekly schmoozefest for the theatrically inclined.' Every Friday from 10:30 pm until the wee hours, pros from Broadway and aspiring stars alike belt it out on the stage of The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Join hosts BRANDON CUTRELL (MAC & Bistro Award winner) and ALYSHA UMPHRESS (XL Star) with RAY FELLMAN (Captain Louie) at the piano for this weekly party in the theatre district. There is no cover charge for this event. Come and sing yourself as the mic is always open, or sit back and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Located just blocks from the Great White Way, you never know who might drop in.

The Board of Directors of The New York Pops and CEO James M. Johnson announced today the appointment of conductor Steven Reineke as the orchestra's Music Director, effective October 1, 2009. Mr. Reineke, who conducted The New York Pops' 25th Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall earlier this year, succeeds the organization's founder, Skitch Henderson, who died in 2005. The announcement concludes an extensive three-year search by the orchestra and was unanimously supported by the musicians on the search committee and the Board of Directors.

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park is expected to announce today that it will open its 2009 season with a new, 'staged concert' version of Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe's classic Arthurian musical 'Camelot,' with George Hearn, Sylvia McNair and Rod Gilfry in the lead roles.

Brett Batterson, executive director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU), is pleased to announce the return of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah to Chicago's National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. For two performances only, Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 14 at 3 p.m., the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, will be filled with the sounds of this soulful reinvention of Handel's Messiah. This joyful musical experience is quickly becoming one of Chicago's favorite annual events. Tickets are now on sale.

Brett Batterson, executive director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU), is pleased to announce the return of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah to Chicago's National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. For two performances only, Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 14 at 3 p.m., the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, will be filled with the sounds of this soulful reinvention of Handel's Messiah. This joyful musical experience is quickly becoming one of Chicago's favorite annual events. Tickets are now on sale.

The New York Pops led by Vincent Falcone and Eric Stern, celebrates its hometown on Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8 p.m. at Carnegie Hall in a program entitled 'A Love Letter to New York' featuring classic songs about New York City and the world premieres of original songs about the city by composer Kenneth Laub. Clint Holmes headlines the concert with special guests Ashley Brown, Laura Bell Bundy and Linda Hart. The program also includes songs by Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter. Ms. Bundy, Ms. Hart, and Mr. Holmes will make their Carnegie Hall debuts.

The Cathedral of St. John The Divine in support of Gay Pride 2008 presents 'Matthew Passion' A New Play (with music) by Phil Hall on Wednesday, June 18th at 7:00 pm at The St. James Chapel.

Starting this Sunday FRONT ROW CENTRE moves to a new, higher profile time slot.

This July 4, New Concert Host Jimmy Smits Invites You To A Capitol Fourth: America's Biggest Birthday Party Live From the U.S. Capitol.

The Cathedral of St. John The Divine in support of Gay Pride 2009 presents 'Matthew Passion' A New Play (with music) by Phil Hall on Wednesday, June 18th at 7:00 pm at The St. James Chapel.

Tonight, Friday March 21st The After Party welcomes Lauren Kennedy and Gavrielle Stravelli.

Friday, December 7, 'The After Party' welcomes Obie Award-winner Darius De Haas, who will perform a few numbers as only he can.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre is pleased to welcome Gabrielle Stravelli in her brand new show, 'Gabrielle Stravelli: Don't Tempt Me' on Saturday, November 17 at 9:30PM.

Friday, November 2, 'The After Party' welcomes Grease's Kirsten Wyatt and Her Song's Gabrielle Stravelli. Both will be on hand to greet fans and perform a few numbers as only they can.

Chad McCallon will perform his show 'I Can't Say No' at the Duplex (61 Christopher Street, at 7th Ave) on Mondays September 17 & 24 at 9:30PM. Phil Hall is the musical director. There is a $5.00 cover and 2-drink minimum.

Matthew Passion, a new play (with music) by Phil Hall that began previews Thursday, March 29th Off Broadway at American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre, will open Monday, April 2, 2007 at 8PM.

Matthew Passion, a new play (with music) by Phil Hall, begins previews this Thursday, March 29th Off Broadway at American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre at 314 West 54th Street

Ravinia Festival Chairman Michael E. Lavin and President and CEO Welz Kauffman today announced details of the 2007 season of music theater and dance events.