Rob Langeder News

Every year, despite a litany of warnings they come to the Big Apple with big dreams. Warnings like: “You have to pay your dues.” “It's a tough business, kid.” “How are you going to survive?” There's no such thing as an overnight success, yet still they come to be at “the top of the heap,” as Kander and Ebb so eloquently put it. The four young performers featured here haven't yet vaulted to the top of the cabaret heap, but they've certainly made their marks with excellent shows during 2014, while exhibiting the potential to get there. The spotlight is already shining on Chrysten Peddie, Angela Dirksen, Rembert Block, and Kristoffer Lowe.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director), in association with producer/director/lyricist and Director of Musical Programming Peter Napolitano, today announced the line-up for their sixth series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2014, beginning Tuesday, December 2nd and continuing through Sunday, December 14th at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street, just East of 8th Avenue).

As they continue their 47th Season, the Gallery Players' first production of the New Year will be Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's elegantly sophisticated romantic comedy A Little Night Music. Based on the Ingmar Bergman film 'Smiles on a Summer Night,' the five-time Tony winning musical features an elaborate score of waltzes, including the Grammy-winning 'Send in the Clowns.' Night Music features the most iconic traits of Sondheim's repertoire, boasting a complex score riddled with hilarious wit. A delicate dream of a musical, the sentimental comedy follows a trio of mismatched lovers as they twist, turn, and tumble toward their true love. While the material is sure to impress, make no mistake that the lavish costumes and luxurious set will invite Gallery's audiences for a taste of 'The Glamorous Life.'

As they continue their 47th Season, the Gallery Players' first production of the New Year will be Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's elegantly sophisticated romantic comedy A Little Night Music. Based on the Ingmar Bergman film "Smiles on a Summer Night," the five-time Tony winning musical features an elaborate score of waltzes, including the Grammy-winning "Send in the Clowns." Night Music features the most iconic traits of Sondheim's repertoire, boasting a complex score riddled with hilarious wit. A delicate dream of a musical, the sentimental comedy follows a trio of mismatched lovers as they twist, turn, and tumble toward their true love. While the material is sure to impress, make no mistake that the lavish costumes and luxurious set will invite Gallery's audiences for a taste of "The Glamorous Life."

The Broadway at Birdland concert series presented acclaimed singers Jenna Esposito and Jim Van Slyke in a sold-out celebration of the music of Connie Francis and Neil Sedaka in "Where The Hits Are: A Tribute to the Songs of Connie Francis and Neil Sedaka" on Monday, December 30. Fortune Esposito was musical director/guitarist, with David Crone on piano, Rob Broelmann on bass, Dan Weiner on drums, Frank Petrocelli on sax, and Kelly Esposito-Broelmann & Rob Langeder were on backup vocals. Check out a look back below!

Urban Stages, in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano have announced additions to WINTER RHYTHMS 2013 performer line-up now running throughSunday, December 15, 2013 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $30 per show (unless otherwise noted).Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

It may not be like getting a gift on every one of the 12 Days of Christmas, but for cabaret and musical theater lovers, the 5th Annual Urban Stages Winter Rhythms series--presented over a dozen nights at the not-for-profit Off-Broadway theatre on 259 West 30th Street--could be the closest thing to opening a daily present by the tree. From December 3-15, dozens of singers and musicians will perform in an eclectic mix of a dozen shows plus late night and matinee 'extras,' with all the proceeds from ticket sales dedicated to the Urban Stages 'On Tour Outreach Program that brings more than 200 free multicultural theater and music programs to elementary and middle school age children and their families in libraries and schools throughout NYC five boroughs. Three years ago, Urban Stages Artistic Director Frances Hill brought in MAC and Bistro award-winning director, lyricist and producer Peter Napolitano to produce the Winter Rhythms program and broaden its scope.BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Columnist Stephen Hanks recently caught up with the Sol Hurok of Urban Stages to learn how Napolitano has helped Winter Rhythms evolve and to get some insights into this year's program.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director), in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano announces a series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2013, beginning on Tuesday, December 3 and running through Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $30 per show (unless otherwise noted).Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs is proud to announce the performers and award recipients for the 2nd Annual "MAC presents THEY WRITE THE SONGS," to be held this Sunday, November 17th at 4pm at the Engelman Recital Hall at the Baruch Performing Arts Center (Lexington Avenue at 25th Street).

Friar Neil Sedaka, wife Leba and daughter Dara were in the Frank Sinatra Room of the Friars Club last night to attend a Tribute Show to Connie Francis and Neil Sedaka. Jenna Esposito and Jim Van Slyke performed the hit songs of Connie & Neil and the show was produced by Jeff Leibowitz, Laura Slutsky and Jenna. Friar Bill Boggs hosted. A special Tribute Menu was presented by Friars Chef Anatoly Veksler. It consisted of "Stupid Cupid Vegetables, Mama's Potato Crusted Brook Trout, Roasted Loin of Veal Is Hard To Do, Artichoke & Peppers On Your Collar Chicken Breast and Where The Chocoholics Are Pyramid." Connie Francis was present via a wonderful video message. An emotional highlight of the evening was when Neil was "coaxed" to take the piano bench. He sang a song he wrote for his cousin who recently passed away..Eydie Gorme.

Walden, a story-theatre style musical adaptation of Thoreau's best seller, featuring his work on the underground railroad and his star-crossed romance will be performed as a stage reading today, Monday, October 7th at The Gym at Judson Memorial Church. Book and Lyrics for Walden are written by Katherine Brann Fredricks and the music is composed by Bert Draesel. Brian Maschka directs a cast of eleven including Drew Aber, Cole Burden, Tyrone Davis, Jr, Susannah Jones, Lisa CM Lamothe, Rob Langeder, Heather Lundstedt, Ronnie Nelson, Doug Shapiro, Thalia St. Hubert and Stephanie Umoh.

Walden, a story-theatre style musical adaptation of Thoreau's best seller, featuring his work on the underground railroad and his star-crossed romance will be performed as a stage reading on Monday October 7th at The Gym at Judson Memorial Church. Book and Lyrics for Walden are written by Katherine Brann Fredricks and the music is composed by Bert Draesel. Brian Maschka directs a cast of eleven including Drew Aber, Cole Burden, Tyrone Davis, Jr, Susannah Jones, Lisa CM Lamothe, Rob Langeder, Heather Lundstedt, Ronnie Nelson, Doug Shapiro, Thalia St. Hubert and Stephanie Umoh.

Stacie Perlman: THE STORY UNDERNEATH will play The Metropolitan Room at 34 West 22nd Street, New York, NY, today, Sunday, February 3 at 4:00 PM, and Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 PM. Reservations: 212-206-0440 or MetropolitanRoom.com.

Stacie Perlman: THE STORY UNDERNEATH will play The Metropolitan Room at 34 West 22nd Street, New York, NY tonight, January 18 at 7:00 PM, Sunday, February 3 at 4:00 PM, and Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 PM.

2012 was indeed a very good year for the art of Cabaret in New York City. Here, BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Reviewer and Columnist Stephen Hanks offers up his exclusive 'Best New York Cabaret Performers of the Year' for 2012, plus some surprising honorable mentions. Let the debates begin!

Stacie Perlman returns in early 2013 with her cabaret debut show, The Story Underneath. Through the music of Frank Loesser, Pete Townshend, Tori Amos and others, Stacie takes you on a magical journey through the world of fairy tales.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director), in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano announces a series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2012, beginning on Tuesday, December 4 and running through Friday, December 15, 2012 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $25 per show (both shows in one night, $40). Beer and wine will be available for a $3 donation. Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

Urban Stages, in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano, announces a series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2012, beginning tonight, December 4 and running through Friday, December 15, 2012 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street).