David Ayers, Rafael Poureiet & More Join LADY DAY Musical
by Nicole Rosky
- Jun 27, 2013
David Ayers (Wicked and SILENCE!) in the role of 'Robert,' Billie Holiday's Manager along with newcomer Rafael Poueriet in the role of the 'Assistant Stage manager' as well as Jim Cammack (veteran bass player for legendary jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal), Ken Hitchcock (NY Saxophone Quartet & Manhattan Jazz Orchestra's acclaimed tenor sax player), Jerome Jennings (performer & drummer for Benny Golson and Sonny Rollins) and Bill Jolly (three-time Emmy Award winning pianist/composer/arranger) in the speaking roles of the onstage musicians complete the acting ensemble for the upcoming Billie Holiday musical 'Lady Day' starring Tony and multiple Grammy Award-winner Dee Dee Bridgewater. With an opening set for Thursday, October 3rd (6:30PM) the production will take residence at Times Square's Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues). Written and directed by Stephen Stahl, the musical will make its New York debut having been produced at the Theatre de Boulogne-Billancourt and Theatre du Gymnase Marie Bell in Paris as well as The Donmar Warehouse and The Piccadilly Theatre in London, where it received critical praise and garnered an Olivier 'Best Actress in a Musical' Award nomination for Ms. Bridgewater. Produced by Misty Road Productions the show's creative team also includes Mr. Jolly, who will also serve as musical director. Preview performances are slated to begin Thursday, September 19th(8PM).
BWW Reviews: In DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL, Champagne Pam is Bubbly, Brassy, Bold and Beautiful at the Beechman
by Stephen Hanks
- May 13, 2013
Two years ago, in my generally favorable review of Pamela Lewis' quirky, if flawed, cabaret show Dog Walking Diva, I went a little bit out on the limb with . . . “She has the potential to be a major cabaret star.” Well, as Lewis (who given her bubbly and bold personality performs under the totally appropriate moniker of “Champagne Pam”) remarked often in her newest show, during which she assessed whether she had yet achieved a list of life goals, that particular observation would have to get a “check.” Because with Daddy's Little Girl, Champagne Pam--who proudly admitted to having reached the Big 4-0--is all grown up as a cabaret performer and should be a member of that rarified group who even a reviewer on a press comp should pay to see and hear.
