Jenny Stafford News

Founding Executive Director Kathy Evans announced the 19 writers of 9 new musicals in this summer's Rhinebeck Writers Retreat. This year's writers include 2018 Jonathan Larson winners Andrew Farmer and Andrew Butler, 2018 Kleban winner Amanda Yasnowitz, Tony-winner Ken Davenport, 2018 Lucille Lortel winner for Outstanding Musical (KPOP) Max Vernon, Emmy winner Doug Katsaros, Obie winner Erin Courtney, and the writers of the podcast musical 36 questions who are developing their next musical, Chris Littler and Ellen Winter.

The Winter Park Playhouse announces its second annual Florida Festival of New Musicals August 23-26, 2018 of this year, and has just confirmed the winning selections for 2018.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the 2017 winners of the Dottie Burman and John Wallowitch songwriting awards.

The Grange Festival and Via Brooklyn present Goyescas, the 1915 opera by Enrique Granados, in collaboration with the Wallace Collection. Goyescas will be conducted by Mark Austin, with artistic direction by Michael Chance CBE. This unique, one-night event will take place in the Wallace Collection's Great Gallery on 11 November 2017.

The Grange Festival and Via Brooklyn present Goyescas, the 1915 opera by Enrique Granados, in collaboration with the Wallace Collection. Goyescas will be conducted by Mark Austin, with artistic direction by Michael Chance CBE. This unique, one-night event will take place in the Wallace Collection's Great Gallery on 11 November 2017.

On Tuesday, Joel B. New announced that he will be bringing his beloved podcast 'Something New' to a close later this month with a special live concert at the Duplex on Saturday, September 30th at 6:30pm. 

In Episode 512 of Something New: a musical theatre podcast, composer and host Joel B. New sat down with Broadway performer Stanley Martin. Martin has been performing professionally since the age of 10. He is currently in, as well as an original cast member of, the hit Broadway musical, ALADDIN. His newest cabaret, 'Smoke and Mirrors,' is a retrospective of his 20 years in show business, with the help of his family and friends navigating through all the highs and lows.

Amy Oestreicher is a PTSD peer-to-peer specialist, artist, author, writer for The Huffington Post, speaker for TEDx and RAINN, health advocate, award-winning actress, and playwright. As a survivor and 'thriver' of multiple traumas, Amy eagerly shares the gifts of life's 'beautiful detours' her educational programming, writing, mixed media art, performance and inspirational speaking.

The New York Musical Festival (NYMF) has announced the performer lineup for two of their concert events: Women of Note, and How The Light Gets In; and a new panel discussion with Honest Accomplice Theatre, titled Expanding Representations of Gender Identity and Sexuality on Stage.

In Episode 510 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Nadia Quinn, a performer, writer, producer, and photographer. Nadia's credits include Alex TImbers/Roundabout Theatre Co's production of THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, Broadway: BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, Television: THIS IS US, LOUIE, YOUNGER, THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA, SMASH, THEBIGC, BLANK MEETS BLANK (part of Late Night Snack with Rachel Dratch on TruTV) Film: TOP FIVE, THE FLOWER SHOP, KITTY, JOKE WRITER, BEST WISHES FROM MILLWOOD (producer/actor- winner best short @ the Austin Film Fest 2015), THROAT.

In Episode 509 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Robbie Rozelle, a writer, director, producer, designer, and performing making his solo show debut this coming Friday, June 9th at Feinstein's/54 Below.

In Episode 508 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Michael Kushner, a performer, photographer, writer, makeup artist, and Founding Member of Musical Theatre Factory (mtf.nyc).

On Sunday May 21st at 9:30pm, Honeck-Moss Productions is proud to present 'In The Works.'  This exciting monthly series was conceived as an opportunity for composers to try out new work in front of an audience and see how it plays in a supportive environment.  It is also an opportunity to create community among the composers and their performers.

In Episode 507 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Louisa Proske, Founding Co-Artistic Director of Heartbeat Opera. Now entering its third season, Heartbeat Opera transforms great works of the operatic canon through visionary adaptations, radical arrangements for chamber ensembles, and intimate, visceral productions that put the singers and the instrumentalists at the center of the work. Heartbeat distills opera to its essence, and cultivates new audiences for the art form.

In Episode 506 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Katie Lynch, creator and host of the Broadway World web series, 'Backstage Bite.' On 'Backstage Bite,' viewers are invited to come into Katie's kitchen with some of Broadway's brightest as they eat, drink and merrily mix it up in this new cooking show! See your favorite stars out of their element as they whip up dishes inspired by their Broadway show. Get to know some of your favorite performers with quirky segments like Quickfire Questions!

In Episode 504 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Ben Coleman. Ben Coleman is the Literary Associate for Samuel French Inc. where he is responsible seeing and reading plays and musicals for this 180-year-old theatrical institution, among many more playwright-related responsibilities.

In Episode 503 of Something New, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down Sas Goldberg and Luke Smith, both currently making their Broadway debut in SIGNIFICANT OTHER. For the live song portion of the episode, Joel's friend Jason Pintar premiered 'Crazy Song,' featuring Mike Pettry on guitar. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New.

In Episode 2 of Something New's fifth season, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Kate Lumpkin, a lifestylist, casting director, and professional fairy godmother. Kate studied Musical Theatre at Ithaca College, the Meisner technique at The William Esper Studios (NYC), and wrapped up her education studying Anthropology and Folklore at Indiana University. In addition to casting and coaching, some of her life adventures have led her to work as the VP of Marketing and PR for a major private consulting firm, spend time working at an elementary school in Tanzania, tour the country as a singing 'dirty dog,' work in development for National Geographic, and be a brand ambassador for numerous high end clothing and lifestyle companies. www.kate-lumpkin.com

In the premiere of Something New's fifth season, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with comedy juggler Marcus Monroe. Dubbed 'the rock star of jugglers' by the New York Press, Marcus Monroe combines innovative juggling with a high-energy original take, making him one of the most sought-after variety performers today. Marcus is the recipient of the prestigious Andy Kaufman Award, awarded once a year to a performer who exhibits an original and creative performance with the spirit and execution of Kaufman. His original one-man show, THE RISE & FALL OF MARCUS MONROE, was presented at Ars Nova last month.

Put on your PJs and come to the Factory to hear some of your favorite musical theatre writers as they present new songs all about the holidays!