Peter James Zielinski News

On Feb. 7, 2011, composer-lyricist Ryan Scott Oliver will release his first published songbook of 20 songs from his musicals Darling, 35mm, and more.

Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook, which explores the best of the golden age of musical standards through to today's most dynamic songwriting, will bring to the stage some of today's most gifted interpreters of song. Week Two starts on January 26th with a tribute to arguably the greatest songwriting team in American Songbook history: the brothers George and Ira Gershwin. Conductor, arranger and pianist (as well as Artistic Director of the Gershwin centenary) Rob Fisher will lead Victoria Clark (Tony winner for Light in the Piazza) and Norm Lewis (Les Miserables, The Little Mermaid) in a night of gorgeous Gershwin. On January 27th singer/songwriter Shara Worden (from the group My Brightest Diamond) performs her unique blend of vocal music that has her pegged as a star to watch. Week Two closes out with gritty veteran John Doe singing 'real' country, with all its understated empathy and rough poetry. Pfizer is a proud sponsor of Lincoln Center's American Songbook 2011.

Actors Zach Grenier, Samantha Mathis, Don Amendolia, Susan Kellermann, Greg Keller, Grant James Varjas, Scott Barrow and Caitlin O'Connell will join the previously announced Jane Fonda in the Tectonic Theater Project production of '33 Variations,' opening February 9, 2011, at the CTG/Ahmanson Theatre. Previews begin January 30 for the compelling new play, written and directed by Moisés Kaufman, and performances continue through March 6.

This brand new weekly open mic night is highly recommended for show-tune lovers, Broadway enthusiasts, 'Gleeks', fans of Charles Nelson Reilly, and anyone who ever wanted to do their own dream ballet. Come join us and pay homage to the old Village Gate, a nightclub/theater that opened in the late 50's and premiered a number of Off-Broadway shows, including Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, in 1968.

THEATER TALK invites viewers to celebrate the holidays with two of New York theater's current leading lights - Colin Quinn, now starring in "Long Story Short" on Broadway at the Booth, and Todd Robbins, star of "Play Dead" off-Broadway at the Players.

Duncan Sheik, the Grammy and Tony-winning singer-songwriter has teamed up with playwright Roberto Aguirre -Sacasa to create a stage version of Bret Easton Eliss' novel 'American Psycho.'

Del Shores, creator of the cult favorite TV series Sordid Lives (starring Olivia Newton-John, Rue McClanahan, Leslie Jordan and Caroline Rhea), brings his hilarious one man show to New York City.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS launched the 22nd Annual GYPSY OF THE YEAR COMPETITION yesterday, December 6 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The competition continues today. The proceeds from the event, a dazzling once-a-year variety show filled with lavish musical numbers, original skits and Broadway stars, will benefit BC/EFA. This year's GYPSY OF THE YEAR is being hosted by Broadway personality Seth Rudetsky ('Seth's Big Fat Broadway' on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio).

The 22nd Annual GYPSY OF THE YEAR Competition raised $3,776,720 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, thanks to the tireless work of 63 participating Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies, it was announced Tuesday. Since 1989, the 22 editions of GYPSY OF THE YEAR have raised a total of $44,137,415 to benefit BC/EFA.

Didn't get your tickets yet to the amazing GYPSY OF THE YEAR 22 Event? You can still buy 'em at the door. If you've never been, they really are amazing, poignant and fun-filled afternoons that pay tribute to those working their butts off onstage and off fundraising for BC/EFA.... Hope to see you there!

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed 'Best of New York' by New York Magazine, and 'an invaluable New York institution' by The New York Post, continues its Fall 2010 season with the return of Howard McGillin - record breaking star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera - on Monday, December 6. His new show, which includes songs from the musical theater as well as romantic pop classics and swing standards, features Music Director Joseph Thalken on piano and John Beal on bass. Monday's performance will feature special guest, Broadway soprano, Rebecca Luker. The shows take place at the Loews Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

Producers Joan Stein and Stuart Ross announced today that STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS, a theatrical event to benefit marriage equality, will launch on Monday, December 6, 2010 and play a limited engagement at Largo at the Coronet (366 N. La Cienega Blvd.).

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, continues its Fall 2010 season with the return of HOWARD McGILLIN - record breaking star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera - on Sunday, December 5 and Monday, December 6.

Casa Mañana's production of the Tony Award-winning musical EVITA will feature Lauren Kennedy as 'Evita,' Kevin Gray as 'Che' and is set to be directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford.

Deadline.com reports today that Precious mastermind Lee Daniels has his eye on a screen adaptation of Kander & Ebb's SCOTTSBORO BOYS, playing out its final performances at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. According to the report: 'While The Scottsboro Boys ends its Broadway run on December 12 at the Lyceum Theatre, there are flickers of hope that the last collaboration between songwriting legends John Kander and Fred Ebb will have a feature future. I'm told that Oscar-nominated Precious director Lee Daniels has seen the show several times and is in early conversations to develop it.'

Asolo Repertory Theatre today announced further details and pricing for special concert, An Intimate Evening with Frank Wildhorn & Friends. The starry concert features musical theatre legend and Bonnie & Clyde composer Frank Wildhorn at the piano, starring Rob Evan and Laura Osnes, with Marlyn Sanchez, and Jack Murphy; singing songs from Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Wonderland, Bonnie & Clyde and more.

American playwright Katori Hall's The Mountaintop was named Best Play at the 2010 Olivier Awards in London. Marking the first time a female African American playwright has received the honor in the Olivier Awards' 34-year history, Ms. Hall's play was nominated alongside such new works as Jerusalem, Enron and Red.

The Time Out New York Lounge, in association with New World Stages and 21st Century Life, moves on to the finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DRAG !

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, continues its Fall 2010 season with the return of HOWARD McGILLIN - record breaking star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera - on Sunday, December 5 and Monday, December 6.

The Time Out New York Lounge, in association with New World Stages and 21st Century Life, moves on to the finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DRAG !