Birth Place: Chicago, IL
HB Studio, one of New York's original acting schools, will kick off its 70th anniversary celebration at 7 p.m. on November 3 with a benefit dinner at the Manhattan Penthouse.
On Monday, October 6th the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony, Emmy, Drama Desk, Obie winner and Pulitzer Prize nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda. Topics discussed include Miranda's upcoming new musical HAMILTON--which makes it's world premiere at the Public Theater in January, the Tony winning IN THE HEIGHTS, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, AND 21 CHUMP STREET--The short musical Miranda wrote for NPR's 'This American Life.'
On Monday, September 22 the Theater People Podcast welcomes the multi-talented Telly Leung. Topics discussed include his work on the musical TV show GLEE, his work on Broadway including FLOWER DRUM SONG, the groundbreaking 2004 revival of Stephen Sondheim' PACIFIC OVERTURES, RENT, and GODSPELL, and his new role as a producer on the rock musical short film GRIND starring Anthony Rapp.
On Monday, September 8th the Theater People Podcast welcomes the multi-talented Ellyn Marie Marsh. Topics discussed include her two Broadway heartbreaks: being cast as a replacement in the role of Hatchet Face Mona in CRY BABY, but never even making it into rehearsal because the show closed just after previews; and being cast as an understudy in ENRON, but never making it to the stage because the show suffered a similar fate.
Lena Hall, 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), recently surprised students of Broadway Artists Alliance'a Summer Intensive. Hall spoke of the start of her career, auditioning for her award winning role, and making time for her rock band, The Deafening. Hall also participated in a Q&A with students, answering questions and offering advice for young performers. Get a look at her appearance below!
On Monday, August 18th the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony-winner Jerry Mitchell. Mitchell discusses directing and choreographing the Tony winning mega-hit KINKY BOOTS. He also discusses making his director/choreographer debut with the popular LEGALLY BLONDE as well as his collaborations with the great Jack O'Brien on HAIRSPRAY, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, THE FULL MONTY and others. The episode is available now for iTunes subscribers.
On Monday, August 4th the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony-winner Karen Olivo. Olivo made headlines in 2013 when she announced on her blog that she would be taking a step back from acting and leaving New York City in order to move to Madison, Wisconsin to pursue other interests and passions.
On Monday, July 21st the Theater People Podcast welcomes two-time Tony-nominee Robin de Jesus. De Jesus discusses making his professional acting debut in the cult-hit indie film CAMP, making his Broadway debut as an understudy in RENT, creating the role of Sonny in the groundbreaking IN TH EHEIGHTS, co-starring as Jacob in the 2010 revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES alongside Kelsey Grammer, and receiving Tony nominations for the latter two roles.
Santino Fontana, 2013 Tony Award nominee for Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Cinderella), visited students of Broadway Artists Alliance Junior Summer Intensive on July 9th. Fontana spoke of his start in school plays all the way to his Broadway career. Fontana relayed some words of wisdom during a Q&A, answering questions ranging from memorizing all those lines to the process of making Frozen.
On Monday, July 7th, the Theater People Podcast welcomes Tony Award-winner Tonya Pinkins. Pinkins is currently co-starring on Broadway in HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, a mostly rapped-through musical featuring the music, lyrics, and poetry of Tupac Shakur.
On Monday, June 30th the Theater People Podcast welcomes 'Matilda' star Lesli Margherita. Topics discussed include her Olivier award winning turn as Inez in 'Zorro The Musical' in London's West End, the day her friend Eden Espinosa called her to insist that Lesli be seen for the role of Mrs. Wormwood in 'Matilda', and her emotional Broadway debut in the show. The episode is available now to iTunes subscribers.
On Monday, June 16th the Theater People Podcast welcomes 'If/Then' and 'Rent' star Anthony Rapp. Topics discussed include Rapp's two year journey helping to bring 'If/Then' to the Broadway stage (he's been with the show since even before the workshop phase), collaborating with the show's creators Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt to create the character of Lucas, and reuniting with friend and 'Rent' co-star Idina Menzel (he has high praise for her work ethic, talent, and ability to maintain her status as one of Broadway's few 'marquee names').
On Monday, June 2nd the Theater People Podcast welcomes Broadway star Eden Espinosa. Topics discussed include her humble beginnings as a Disney theme park performer, her breakthrough performance in the title role of the 2004 musical BROOKLYN, being Idina Menzel's standby in the original company of WICKED, and performing her dream role of Maureen Johnson in the closing company of RENT.
Whether you've been living under a rock for the past week or you're just in the mood for a recap, BroadwayWorld's 'this week in pictures' is here to satisfy your end-of-the-week fix! Take a look below to catch up on the latest happenings from the Great White Way to The West End (and everywhere in between) with coverage of press events, rehearsals, opening nights and more. Highlights this week include Bryan Cranston's caricature unveiling at Sardi's, Barrett Foa in 'Buyer and Cellar,' Katie Finneran at 54 Below, and more!
Katie Finneran, the two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway and TV star, makes her nightclub debut at 54 Below from May 28 to 31 with the show It Might Be You - A Funny Lady's Search for Home. Endearing, brilliantly funny and always entertaining, she gives us a peek into the life of a performer juggling Hollywood, Broadway and starting a family. Singing an eclectic array of songs and sharing extraordinary backstage stories, Katie takes us on a comical and poignant pilgrimage to her greatest destination yet: home. Expect to hear songs ranging from Stephen Sondheimto Ingrid Michaelson, with homages to Betty Hutton and Julie Andrews in between. The evening will be directed by Katie's longtime pal, Broadway's Andrea Burns (The Nance, In the Heights) and will feature musical direction bySteve Marzullo.
These Boots Were Made for Rockin', two concerts organized by Mark Fisher Fitness and featuring Kinky cast members, took place on Monday at 54 Below, to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in support of Broadway Bares: Rock Hard. BroadwayWorld wa sthere for the special concert and you can check out photos below!
Katie Finneran, the two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway and TV star, will make her nightclub debut at 54 Below from May 28 to 31 with the show It Might Be You - A Funny Lady's Search for Home. Endearing, brilliantly funny and always entertaining, she gives us a peek into the life of a performer juggling Hollywood, Broadway and starting a family. Singing an eclectic array of songs and sharing extraordinary backstage stories, Katie takes us on a comical and poignant pilgrimage to her greatest destination yet: home. Expect to hear songs ranging from Stephen Sondheim to Ingrid Michaelson, with homages to Betty Hutton and Julie Andrews in between. The evening will be directed by Katie's longtime pal, Broadway's Andrea Burns (The Nance, In the Heights) and will feature musical direction by Steve Marzullo.
Coming up next week at, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.
Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale celebrate the 'BRIDGES' cast recording at Barnes & Noble today, and THE NORMAL HEART airs on HBO this Sunday!
Andy Kelso, current star of the 2013 Tony Award-winning Best Musical KINKY BOOTS, two-time Tony Award winner Katie Finneran and The Skivvies have joined the line-up of performers for THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR ROCKIN', a pair of one-night-only, sexy cabaret concerts organized by MARK FISHER FITNESS and featuring company members from KINKY BOOTS.
