Just last night, Feinstein's/54 Below presented the debut of Jennifer Diamond, currently co-starring in the smash hit musical RUTHLESS!. Jennifer's new show IT'S MY FIRST TIME (PLEASE BE GENTLE) was directed by Broadway veteran Richard Jay-Alexander. The two first worked together on LES MISERABLES and a number of benefits and Jay-Alexander found her uniquely talented and versatile enough to put a special spin on a debut act for her, recounting her arrival in the business, her story as an up-and-coming actress and all the good (and bad) that goes with it.
Abingdon Theatre Company just celebrated its 2015-2016 Season with ABINGDON: REFLECTIONS OF STARLIGHT, last night, October 26 at Espace (635 West 42nd Street in Manhattan). Richard Jay-Alexander, best known for directing Barbra Streisand and other artists in concert, directed the event, honoring Tony Award-winning costume designer Jane Greenwood, who designed Abingdon's acclaimed production of Hellman v. McCarthy; Abingdon Theatre Company's Vice Chair and former Managing Director, Heather Henderson; and one of New York's most prominent lawyers in entertainment, Mark Sendroff.
Dancers Over 40 celebrates diversity in dance with Can't Stop the Music! Can't Stop the Dance! Diversity All Around Us! – featuring DO40 Advisory Board member Jerry Mitchell's new musical comedy, Gotta Dance – the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove and they are all over 60. They battle pain, prejudice, self-doubt and each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans at a national basketball team's half time show. That panel will be moderated by Broadway World's Richie Ridge. Also featured, a celebration of African-American, Hispanic and Asian artists including DO40 member Gus Solomon jr's dance company Paradigm, and members of his company, Carmen de Lavallade, Sarita Allen, Hope Clarke and Karen Brown (Dance Theater of Harlem, Complexions, Ailey, Dunham Companies), as well as Dr. Mel A. Tomlinson (Dance Theater of Harlem, Ailey, NYCB), Gemze de Lappe (Agnes de Mille) Gail Reese (Ailey, Donald McKayle, Talley Beatty, Agnes de Mille) Fernando Carrillo (Ailey II, Ballet Hispanico), Lillian Colon (RCMH's first Puerto Rican Rockette) Solomon Dumas (Garth Fagan, Ronald K. Brown, Ailey II), Jill Williams (The Clark Center), Complexions Ballet, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and Baayork Lee and the National Asian Arts Project.
Dancers Over 40 celebrates diversity in dance with Can't Stop the Music! Can't Stop the Dance! Diversity All Around Us! – featuring DO40 Advisory Board member Jerry Mitchell's new musical comedy, Gotta Dance – the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove and they are all over 60. They battle pain, prejudice, self-doubt and each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans at a national basketball team's half time show. That panel will be moderated by Broadway World's Richie Ridge. Also featured, a celebration of African-American, Hispanic and Asian artists including DO40 member Gus Solomon jr's dance company Paradigm, and members of his company, Carmen de Lavallade, Sarita Allen, Hope Clarke and Karen Brown (Dance Theater of Harlem, Complexions, Ailey, Dunham Companies), as well as Dr. Mel A. Tomlinson (Dance Theater of Harlem, Ailey, NYCB), Gemze de Lappe (Agnes de Mille) Gail Reese (Ailey, Donald McKayle, Talley Beatty, Agnes de Mille) Fernando Carrillo (Ailey II, Ballet Hispanico), Lillian Colon (RCMH's first Puerto Rican Rockette) Solomon Dumas (Garth Fagan, Ronald K. Brown, Ailey II), Jill Williams (The Clark Center), Complexions Ballet, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and Baayork Lee and the National Asian Arts Project.
Christian Borle, FUN HOME's Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, Max Von Essen and many more gathered last nightfor the Tony Awards Creative Arts Nominees Reception, and BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the night!
Show business' brightest stars memorialized one of their own yesterday, at A Tribute to Polly Bergen, at the American Airlines Theatre (227 W. 42nd Street). An Emmy Award-winning actress and singer, Ms. Bergen's career spanned more than six decades in films, TV, Broadway musicals and concerts. She passed away from natural causes September 20 at age 84. A Tribute to Polly Bergen, produced by Rex Reed and Michael Alden with creative consultant Deborah Grace Winer, celebrated her life and career with a star studded lineup of participants. They included Christine Andreas, Harry Belafonte, Arlene Dahl, Raul Esparza, Michael Feinstein, Gregory Harrison, Judith Ivey, Chris Matthews, Phyllis Newman, Kelli O'Hara and cast members from the 2001 revival of Follies.
Glamorous names and faces will walk a short red carpet to take the stage at the 5th Annual Joey Awards Ceremony on March 8th, 8pm at the Laurie Beechman Theater.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and international music superstar Jennifer Nettles is making her Broadway debut as 'Roxie Hart' in Chicago. Nettles joins the Broadway company for a limited eight-week engagement running Monday, February 2 through Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.) She will be joined by Broadway star Carly Hughes who makes her debut in the iconic role of jazz slayer Velma Kelly. The duo just met the press and BroadwayWorld's Richie Ridge was there to chat with both about joining the show and to bring you a special performance preview!
Marilyn doesn't have to sing "I Love Being Here With You" in New York City anymore. She always would motion for a response after the lyric "I wanna hear you call my name" and the audience would always shout out MARILYN. That song was not in her show. There's no need for MM to ask for recognition in this town. If you don't know that MARILYN means Marilyn Maye you are not a New Yorker. Personally, if I ask someone "when are you seeing Marilyn" and then get a confused look, I immediately know I'm talking to someone who doesn't get it.
BroadwayWorld.com's Richie Ridge was on hand at PETER PAN's press day where he talked to the stars and creative team about how they are putting together this live TV event. Here, Richie talks to Allison Williams.
BroadwayWorld.com's Richie Ridge was on hand at PETER PAN's press day where he talked to the stars and creative team about how they are putting together this live TV event. Here, Richie talks to Christopher Walken.
BroadwayWorld.com's Richie Ridge was on hand at PETER PAN's press day where he talked to the stars and creative team about how they are putting together this live TV event. Here, Richie talks to Christian Borle and Kelli O'Hara.
BroadwayWorld.com's Richie Ridge was on hand at PETER PAN's press day where he talked to the stars and creative team about how they are putting together this live TV event. Here, Richie talks to the producers, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
After making the announcement, both Sting and lead producer Jeffrey Seller sat down with BroadwayWorld.com's Richie Ridge to give us the full scoop on how this came about, what to expect & more!
The completely reimagined revival of Side Show opened last night, November 17, at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). BroadwayWorld was there to capture the cast glammed up and celebrating at the party!
One of Broadway's biggest days is just around the corner - the 29th annual Broadway Flea Market is to be held this Sunday, September 21st from 10:00am-7:00pm. To get everyone in the Flea Market spirit, we've compiled highlights of BroadwayWorld coverage spanning the last five years of the event! Scroll down to see five years of Flea Market history in pictures!
The upcoming Broadway reimagining of Side Show, featuring leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, opens on Broadway this fall. Side Show is inspired by the remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight. Mr.Condon's vivid production of Side Show seamlessly blends the worlds of carnival, vaudeville, and Hollywood glamour.
The cast and creative team met the press for a special even last night and BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage from the festivities below!
