Lea Blackhurst News

It's supposed to be 108 degrees in the Nashville area by week's end, which means stepping outside will likely leave you melted, quite literally and figuratively. But if you do have to venture out of doors, perhaps a trip to the theater is a good idea…it'll be dark and cool (with any luck, the AC will be working-and you know which theaters we're talking about) and you'll be entertained, perhaps even transported to another world. Or not. In the meantime, we present you with installment number four of Music City Confidential-our continuing effort to create a sense of community and build up some enthusiasm and excitement for the live theater industry here in our alarmingly sweaty region. So, press on, gentle readers and catch up on the latest adventures of the theaterati…

On Monday, June 4, singer William Blake brought down the house in his third R&B-infused concert at for the Broadway at Birdland series. The show, 'Echoes of Etta,' celebrated the musical legacy of Etta James, and included her first #1 hit, 'The Wallflower (Roll With Me, Henry),' her quintessential 'At Last,' and rare interview recordings of the star. The band included Michael Thomas Murray on piano and Fender Rhodes, Oscar Bautista on guitar, Mike Preen on bass, Steve Kelly on drums, Matthew Polashek on sax. 'The Peaches' included Shira Elias, Ashley Betton and Stephany Mora.

On Monday, May 28, YouTube sensation, chanteuse and high-end vocal coach Miranda Sings made her tenth sold-out concert appearance as part of the Broadway at Birdland series. Seth Rudetsky acted as musical director/pianist, jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein got some brush-up suggestions from 'violimnist' Miranda, and Adam Pascal, currently starring on Broadway in Memphis, subjected himself to the diva's sensitive and pitch-perfect critiques. As always, the show was filled with improvisation, a few hit songs, magic tricks, and dramatic readings of the lady's own hate mail. The wacked-out superstar (in reality, California native Colleen Ballinger) continues to perform her one-woman show in sold-out nightclubs and theaters in New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dublin, and Sydney.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY continues its Spring 2012 season with the return engagement of Grammy Award nominated singer and entertainer MARILYN MAYE. Her new show - "The Happiest Sound In Town" - is her annual birthday celebration and features some of her most-requested numbers including "Guess Who I Saw Today," "Bye Bye Country Boy," "Rain" and "Golden Rainbow." Another highlight of the show, "Come In From The Rain," was a personal favorite of Johnny Carson; Maye performed it many times on "The Tonight Show" at his personal invitation. Maye's recent local appearances have been received with rave reviews and full houses. The show runs through Saturday, May 5 at the Loews Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street). Check out photos from the concert below!

The Glimmerglass Festival held its 2012 Spring Gala GL!MMERATA! on April 10 at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. The glittering evening benefitted the company's Young Artists and Summer Internship programs.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to New York. The latest on the big musicals in Aurora, Oakbrook, Munster and Lincolnshire, two retro-60s jukebox shows, season announcements from Porchlight, Boho, Chicago Shakes and Court, plus the Light Opera Works gala!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane is presenting the six-time Tony Award-winning musical GYPSY. The show opened January 26 and is running through April 1; check out a snapshot from opening night below!

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, is offering a dinner and theater package on Friday, February 10, Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, is offering a dinner and theater package on Friday, February 10, Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, is offering a dinner and theater package on Friday, February 10, Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Our reaction to 'Smash,' 'Gypsy,' 'American Idiot,' casting for 'A Little Night Music' and 'Floyd Collins,' 'Blue Man Group' and more....

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane is presenting the six-time Tony Award-winning musical GYPSY. The show opened January 26 and is running through April 1.

Award-winning Broadway star Faith Prince is to replace Klea Blackhurst in The Best of Times, 42nd Street Moon's 80th Birthday salute to Tony-winning Broadway composer/lyricist, Jerry Herman. The Best of Times will be presented at the Alcazar Theatre on Thursday, January 26 at 7 pm.

42nd Street Moon has lined up two major guest stars, Klea Blackhurst and Jason Graae, to head the cast for the upcoming 80th Birthday salute to beloved Tony-winning Broadway composer/lyricist, Jerry Herman titled The Best of Times.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the six-time Tony Award-winning musical GYPSY, opening January 26 and running through April 1. Get a first look at the production below!

The Metropolitan Room announced January performances.

Birdland has announced the return of 'A Swinging Birdland Christmas,' starring Birdland regulars Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch.

Award-winning Broadway star Faith Prince is to replace Klea Blackhurst in The Best of Times, 42nd Street Moon's 80th Birthday salute to Tony-winning Broadway composer/lyricist, Jerry Herman. The Best of Times will be presented at the Alcazar Theatre on Thursday, January 26 at 7 pm.

The Metropolitan Room announced January performances.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 2011 BWW Chicago Awards, Chicagoans on Broadway, tour tickets, Equity casting decisions from the western suburbs, 'Welcome Yule!,' 'Pinkalicious' and more....