Levi Kreis News

Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller comes to Arena Stage April 25 to June 8, 2014. Part 1 of our interview with director Randy Johnson and choreographer Parker Esse looks at the legacy of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's collaboration and impact on the rock and roll era.

San Francisco in June may be gloomy, but the lineup at Feinstein's at the Nikko will be HOT! Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Michael Feinstein are thrilled to announce the lineup for the month of June, featuring award-winning stars from stage and screen, including two-time Tony Award-winner Judy Kaye, YouTube sensation Christina Bianco, Tony Award-winning singer/songwriter Levi Kreis, cabaret legend Justin Vivian Bond, Broadway star and recording artist Shoshana Bean, and Franc D'Ambrosio & Glory Crampton's tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. The show runs April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below!

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Director Randy Johnson returns to Arena Stage following the success of A Night with Janis Joplin (which enjoyed two runs at Arena Stage followed by a subsequent run on Broadway) to helm this Grammy Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, which originally opened on Broadway in 1995 and became the longest running musical revue, topping 2,000 performances. Bursting with hit tunes including 'Hound Dog,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Love Potion #9' and 'On Broadway,' Smokey Joe's Cafe showcases choreography by Parker Esse (Arena Stage's The Music Man, Oklahoma!) and music direction by Victor Simonson (Center Stage's A Civil War Christmas, Arena Stage's 3 Mo' Divas) and runs April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal below!

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Director Randy Johnson returns to Arena Stage following the success of A Night with Janis Joplin (which enjoyed two runs at Arena Stage followed by a subsequent run on Broadway) to helm this Grammy Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, which originally opened on Broadway in 1995 and became the longest running musical revue, topping 2,000 performances. Bursting with hit tunes including 'Hound Dog,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Love Potion #9' and 'On Broadway,' Smokey Joe's Cafe showcases choreography by Parker Esse (Arena Stage's The Music Man, Oklahoma!) and music direction by Victor Simonson (Center Stage's A Civil War Christmas, Arena Stage's 3 Mo' Divas) and runs April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage.

Million Dollar Quartet, the longest-running Broadway musical production in Chicago's history, has been extended through August 31, 2014. With over 2,000 performances and 5 smash years in Chicago, the Tony Award-winning rock 'n' roll musical recently set a new record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago. Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 7, 2014, at 10am.

Tony Award winner Ron Rifkin (Alias, Broadway's Cabaret) and Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas (The Waltons) will star in the world premiere historical drama Camp David at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater as Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Jimmy Carter, respectively. Penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright and under the direction of Artistic Director Molly Smith, Camp David runs March 21-May 4, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater.

In 2013, I turned 28, which apparently is one of several years at the end of your 20s where basically your life hits the fan and sudden changes surround you. I looked around, and everyone else seemed so happy. Then, I breathed and realized that I have plenty to be happy about. In 2013 I became BroadwayWorld.com's official theatre recording critic and have been exposed to some incredible albums since accepting that title. Some I have loved; others I have not. Regardless of my feelings towards the albums themselves, these are the top 20 songs from 2013 I simply cannot get out of my mind.

Million Dollar Quartet, now the longest-running Broadway musical production in Chicago's history, is celebrating the holidays by adding performance dates and a special number for a limited time. For the holidays only, the classic 1958 song 'Run, Run, Rudolph' has been added to the finale of the show.

Million Dollar Quartet, now the longest-running Broadway musical production in Chicago's history, is celebrating the holidays by adding performance dates and a special number for a limited time. For the holidays only, the classic 1958 song "Run, Run, Rudolph" has been added to the finale of the show.

Seattle Men's Chorus (SMC) borrows from the film classic Casablanca for their annual holiday extravaganza at Benaroya Hall. In Play it Again, Santa, Santa (not Sam) is at the piano and the out-of-the-way nightclub is much farther north - like at the North Pole! There will be eight Seattle concerts plus two outreach performances in Tacoma and Everett. For the first two Seattle concerts of their 34th season opener, SMC welcomes to the stage Tony award-winning pianist and vocalist Levi Kreis (tonight, Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 only) as the guest artist.

About Face Theatre Company will kick off its new OUT FRONT SERIES, a year-round collection of free public readings and developmental workshops. This month, AFT presents BILLIE AND BILLY by AFT Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, with original music by Brad Simmons and directed by Krissy Vanderwarker, playing today, November 16 and tomorrow the 17th, 2013 at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. in Chicago.

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 BCA nominations are out, Levi Kreis leads a reading, 'We Three Lizas' return, two holiday shows from Broadway In Chicago, three more versions of 'A Christmas Carol,' more reindeer, and Palatine's 'White Christmas.' And it's still early November!

About Face Theatre Company will kick off its new OUT FRONT SERIES, a year-round collection of free public readings and developmental workshops. This month, AFT presents BILLIE AND BILLY by AFT Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, with original music by Brad Simmons and directed by Krissy Vanderwarker, playing November 16 and 17, 2013 at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. in Chicago.

Seattle Men's Chorus (SMC) borrows from the film classic Casablanca for their annual holiday extravaganza at Benaroya Hall. In Play it Again, Santa, Santa (not Sam) is at the piano and the out-of-the-way nightclub is much farther north - like at the North Pole! There will be eight Seattle concerts plus two outreach performances in Tacoma and Everett. For the first two Seattle concerts of their 34th season opener, SMC welcomes to the stage Tony award-winning pianist and vocalist Levi Kreis (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 only) as the guest artist.

Million Dollar Quartet, now the longest-running Broadway musical production in Chicago's history, has extended through March 30, 2014. With over 2,000 performances and 5 smash years in Chicago, the Tony Award-winning rock 'n' roll musical has set a new record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago.

In his career, Levi Kreis has released a total of six albums. Not only does Kreis have four studio albums, a live album, and an album of demos under his belt, but he also has a shiny Tony Award somewhere at home. Of course, Kreis is too humble to let it all go to his head. In fact, Kreis needs to be reminded to look back some times to recognize his major successes. Kreis just released his newest studio album IMAGINE PARADISE, and to positive reception. The album founded by Kickstarter allowed Kreis to channel fan support to make music after a four-year hiatus.

Tomorrow marks an exciting landmark for Million Dollar Quartet. The Chicago production is celebrating 2,000 performances. To mark the occasion, original MDQ cast member (now on the National Tour) Kelly Lamont will join the company for a 'Sitting in with the Band' appearance during the encore. The company will celebrate with a specially-designed cake, courtesy of The French Pastry School.

Levi Kreis is a rock star with an electric sound and vibe. With his most recent studio album IMAGINE PARADISE, he channels a pop/techno/soul sound that resembles that of Robin Thicke, George Michael, and Jamiroquai. IMAGINE PARADISE is Kreis' fourth album, but his first in four years. After a brief hiatus, Kreis has made it clear with this Kickstarter founded record that he is back and stronger than ever.

Kreis became a Broadway star overnight with his effortless comedic timing and dazzling piano chops as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony nominated musical Million Dollar Quartet. The role won him a 2010 Tony Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Drama League nomination.