Jennifer Holliday News

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to four-time Tony-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams about the soundtrack to the 1973 film 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' They also discuss 'Hair,' Barry Dennen, Barbra Streisand, Sandra Bernhard, 'Without You I'm Nothing,' Jodie Foster, Madonna, Tommy, Rupert Everett, Michael Mayer, Spike Lee, Jennifer Holliday, Stephen Trask, and John Cameron Mitchell. Kevin shares stories from his career, from working as a gogo dancer, to working on music videos, to collaborating with legendary directors and performers at The Mark Taper Forum, The Public Theater, and on Broadway. Kevin's credits include 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' 'Spring Awakening,' 'Passing Strange,' 'Next to Normal,' 'The Cher Show,' and 'SpongeBob SquarePants.'

I love Vanessa Williamsa?? but who doesn't? She's a singular woman with an equally singular career and we have worked together on the stage and in film and always have a great time. She's incredibly beautiful, wildly intelligent, supremely talented, and... she's a great mom. She has recorded many albums and topped the charts with some unforgettable singles but many people aren't aware of a beautiful Christmas album she recorded, titled 'Star Bright'. I love the album and love this particular cut and video. 

Anyone who knows me knows that my love for Johnny Mathis is infinite. He was a singer I recognized, very early on, who looked like me and made all that beautiful sound- making contact with the most glorious music and lyrics. I'd be lying if I didn't say he was a huge influence on me. He also became synonymous with Christmas and the holiday season. I could never have dreamed that one day I would get to sing with him, but blessed as I've been, it happened. I love him, I love this song... and I love that fireplace!

Andy Williams was a staple in our house growing up. He had those great Christmas specials every year on NBC and they always made you feel cozy and special and spirited. Great sets, costumes, sketches and terrific music. It was traditional, and he always wore great sweaters. Needless to say, all of this made me want to have a traditional-looking cover for my first Christmas album. All the stars used to sing the same handful of songs, but it was the arrangements that made them stick in your brain. No matter what he sang, I was always happy to see and hear Andy Williams. This song is a particular favorite- 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.'

The Supremes' 'Merry Christmas' album was the first one off the shelf every year, which in my house, growing up, marked the official beginning of the holiday season. We would trim the tree to this record and others to come. This is my absolute favorite and why I have sung that song now for years. In this video, they perform the song on The Ed Sullivan Show, with the ORIGINAL Supremes: Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. It aired on CBS on Dec. 4, 1966, and was unforgettable ... and indicative of the kind of preparation that was paid attention to by Motown, in presenting all of their acts.

The hit musical Dreamgirls will embark on its first ever UK tour, opening in Bristol in September 2020 before dates in Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Birmingham, with further venues throughout 2021 still to be announced. Tickets will go on sale this week with specific box office information available at Dreamgirlsthemusical.co.uk.

The following acts are performing at City Winery Chicago (1200 W. Randolph St) throughout the month. All City Winery Chicago events are open to all ages and start at 8:00 p.m., unless noted.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-733-WINE (9463) or by visiting www.citywinery.com/chicago.

The Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago celebrates its 23rd Broadway anniversary tomorrow, Thursday, November 14th. The production is now playing at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.).

The Staten Island Children's Museum is pleased to announce that Anjoli Chadha and Walter Rutledge have been selected for its new Performing Artist-in-Residence Program (PAIR).

After separately entertaining audiences in jazz clubs, cabarets and concert halls around the world for years, Jacob Khalil and Jordan von Haslow join forces to announce 'Pure Imagination', the newest double act to play the Las Vegas Strip.

Broadway veteran and regional theater actress Farah Alvin returns to her roots with her first solo nightclub act in many years, as The Green Room 42 invites her to their stages to do some of her favorite 70s tunes.

For those of us who began making regular pilgrimages to Palsson's Supper Club back in the early 80s to see Gerard Alessandrini's smart new revue pack with parody lyrics and impersonations that skewered the gods and goddesses of Times Square, Broadway just isn't Broadway without FORBIDDEN BROADWAY around.

Chicago LGBT Hall of Famer, two-time After Dark Award-winning entertainer Honey West and two- time After Dark Award winner and Chicago Pressie Award Winner for Best Local Entertainer Freddy Allen, reunite for their first Chicago cabaret performance in over a decade since their Gentry days. This event will take place at Drew's On Halsted, 3102 N. Halsted, on Friday, November 15.

'Celebrating... Nat 'King' Cole', an evening of cabaret jazz saluting the iconic jazz/pop trailblazer in this his centennial birth year, starring vocalist Jordan von Haslow and pianist Matt Baker closes on Thursday, October 24.

Actress/singer Jenelle Lynn Randall got raves for her participation in this year's Hollywood Fringe Festival. She premiered her one woman play with music about the life of actress/songstress Eartha Kitt entitled I Wanna Be Evil: The Eartha Kitt Story. For one night only Randall brought her evening to Feinstein's at Vitello's on Monday September 16 and was totally engaging, sparking a great big hit. Kitt was sultry with a purr that would stop a clock. Born into poverty as a plantation

Get a jump start on your ultimate theatrical treasure hunt as early bidding opens today on dozens of auction items for the 33rd Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.

The New York Pops will host its annual cabaret fundraiser at Feinstein's/54 Below on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.(performance at 6:30 p.m.) starring Tony and Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis. The event is hosted by New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke.

Waverly | Grace Entertainment will present Celebrating... Nat 'King' Cole, opening at The West End Lounge on Friday, July 19, 2019, starring vocalist, Jordan von Haslow and Jazz pianist Matt Baker.

The headline act for the inaugural Sydney Cabaret Festival had audiences captivated as Jennifer Holliday shared personal stories and soaring soul songs in an amazing Australian debut concert.

Throughout summer, Jazz at Lincoln Center offers an extensive range of free concerts and cultural events for all ages, including Jazz in Times Square. Jazz at Lincoln Center offers special pricing for students year-round.