Jodi Benson News

After watching Crazy for You in New York City in 1992, Claudia Raia dreamed of one day producing this musical in Brazil. Two decades later, she finally makes her wish come true with an outstanding show at the Teatro Bradesco, São Paulo, directed by José Possi Neto, original choreography by Susan Stroman, and starring Jarbas Homem de Mello, who has been increasingly recognized as one of the most complete performers of musical theater in Brazil.

The Cleveland POPS Orchestra with Carl Topilow pays tribute to the musical genius of Marvin Hamlisch in a special concert at 8:00 p.m. tonight, February 21st in Severance Hall. The concert will feature three of the performers who worked with Hamlisch and knew him well. Broadway legends Donna McKechnie, Jodi Benson, Doug LaBrecque, along with POPS conductor Topilow, will share behind-the-scenes experiences and personal conversations they had with Marvin.

Today in 1992, Crazy for You opened at the Shubert Theatre, where it ran for 1622 performances. Crazy for You is a musical with a book by Ken Ludwig, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and music by George Gershwin. Billed as 'The New Gershwin Musical Comedy', it is largely based on the songwriting team's 1930 musical, Girl Crazy, but interpolates songs from several other productions as well. Crazy for You won the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical. The Broadway production was directed by Mike Ockrent and choreographed by Susan Stroman.The cast included Jodi Benson as Polly, Harry Groener as Bobby Child, Bruce Adler as Bela Zangler, John Hillner as Lank Hawkins, Michele Pawk as Irene Roth, Jane Connell as Mother, and Beth Leavel as Tess.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will celebrate the remarkable musical legacy of Marvin Hamlisch at its POPS! Concerts March 28, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. and March 29, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

From One Singular Sensation to The Way We Were, composer Marvin Hamlisch left a legacy of hits that have brightened Broadway and the musical catalogue of America forever. And, now, The Philly POPS is proud to present 'Marvin Hamlisch - A Musical Tribute' conducted by Larry Blank, Hamlisch's conductor, and three of his favorite singers ... Donna McKechnie, Jodi Benson and Doug LaBrecque. Taking place on Friday, March 14 (8 p.m.), Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 (3 p.m.) in Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center, Blank and the guest artists will not only present wonderful musical memories with the audience, they'll share personal recollections of Marvin Hamlisch as well.

When those with musical know-how think Carl Topilow, they conjure--Cleveland Pops Orchestra, multi-hued clarinets, a virtuoso who is equally at home in both classical and popular music modes, Cleveland Institute of Music, guest conductor of over 110 orchestras in the US, and such countries as Canada, China, England, Korea, Mexico, Switzerland and Venezuela. Yes, Topilow is a very talented and renowned person in the field of music.

The Cleveland POPS Orchestra with Carl Topilow pays tribute to the musical genius of Marvin Hamlisch in a special concert at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21st in Severance Hall. The concert will feature three of the performers who worked with Hamlisch and knew him well. Broadway legends Donna McKechnie, Jodi Benson, Doug LaBrecque, along with POPS conductor Topilow, will share behind-the-scenes experiences and personal conversations they had with Marvin.

Sofia and her family take to the high seas for a royal vacation in the first-ever 'Sofia the First' primetime special, 'Sofia the First: The Floating Palace,' premiering TONIGHT, NOVEMBER 24 (7:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel

Disney Channel announces November 2013 Programming Highlights

Musicals Tonight! the Obie-winning company dedicated to the revival of neglected musicals continues its 2013-14 season with a 16-performance run of Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Ashman's 1986 musical SMILE (October 22 - November 3) directed by Thomas Sabella-Mills, with music direction by David Bishop.

Sofia and her family take to the high seas for a royal vacation in the first-ever 'Sofia the First' primetime special, 'Sofia the First: The Floating Palace,' premiering SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (7:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel

Newsies is currently in its second year on Broadway and is still bringing audiences to their feet nightly at the Nederlander Theatre. Jodi Benson, who voiced 'Ariel' in Disney's animated feature 'The Little Mermaid,' stopped by the show and posed with the cast backstage. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos below!

Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre is delighted to present Disney's Academy Award winning film 'The Little Mermaid' for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D from today, September 13 through October 13, 2013.

It was announced today by Lylle Breier, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Special Events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 'The El Capitan Theatre is the only theatre in the world screening 'The Little Mermaid' in 3D.' This exclusive presentation also features a live preshow sing-a-long with Sofia from Disney's 'Sofia the First' along with a special live appearance by Ariel after the movie. El Capitan guests will also receive an exclusive giveaway at every show from Disney Junior (while supplies last).

Musicals Tonight! the Obie-winning company dedicated to the revival of neglected musicals kicks off its 16th NY season with Cole Porter'sMexican Hayride (October 8 - 20) directed by Thomas Sabella-Mills, with music direction by James Stenborg.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Announces 2013-14 Season

Tony Award Winner Donna McKechnie, Tony Award Nominee Jodi Benson and Broadway veteran Doug LaBrecque will star with the Boston Pops in One Singular Sensation: A Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch conducted by Keith Lockhart.

Everyone has heard of the recent tragic events in Boston. Hearts around the world were touched by what happened at this year's Boston Marathon. As a result there's been an incredible outpouring of help and kindness to those who were directly affected by the two explosions on April 22, 2013. Monetary donations are pouring in and the likes of Neil Diamond have lent their support in various ways.