Make Me a Song 2007 - Articles Page 6

On two cold January nights, The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts lobby smelled like a delicious pie shop, and the main stage was alive with a story about complicated love, motherhood, and finding the courage to make significant changes.

Stars have spent their 20+ year career being a musical confidant to the inner-most secrets of their fans lives. They tell the tales we keep in the darkest, and most hopeful parts of our souls. They have persevered as a band, friends, musical and social curators; always putting art first, as well as the pursuit of transparency and truth. Stars have stayed true over the release of eight albums, countless tours, and every imaginable obstacle in the path of their career

Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon is one of those rare musical theater creators who, like Lin-Manuel Miranda, can write the whole show a?" book, music and lyrics. Gordon's latest work is the musical a?oePride and Prejudicea?? soon to start its world premiere run at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. He has formed a close relationship with the company over the years, including hit productions of his shows a?oeJane Eyre,a?? a?oeEmma,a?? a?oeBeing Earnest,a?? and a?oeDaddy Long Legs.a?? Interestingly, Gordon initially found success as a composer of pop music writing for, and collaborating with, numerous recording artists, including Bette Midler, Quincy Jones, Alanis Morissette, Smokey Robinson and Dionne Warwick. An abiding love for musical theater led to a fortuitous meeting with esteemed director John Caird that opened up a whole new career for Gordon. BroadwayWorld caught up with him while he was still in the thick of the rehearsal process for his new show, which can be a very stressful time. In conversation, Gordon appeared surprisingly calm as he chatted about the development of a?oePride and Prejudicea?? and his plans to build new audiences for musical theater.

Following two sold out runs at the National Theatre in London, a successful run at London's Roundhouse, and a world tour, Nigerian-born playwright Inua Ellams' acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles makes its New York and BAM debut December 3-8. The sold-out sensation explores the diversity of Black male identity via the intimate community of the barber shop, where men across the African diaspora have gathered for 2 generations to discuss the world and their lives.

New Line Theatre, whose tagline is fittingly #MusicalTheatreAF, opens their 29th season with Cry-Baby, the 2007 musical with book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan and songs by David Javerbaum & Adam Schlesinger. It is based on Cry-Baby the film, written and directed by Hairspray creator, John Waters. Let me just pause here and say if you have only ever seen the film, you're missing out, as the musical has a much more cohesive, developed...

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Glimmer, Grammy-nominated Nashville-based singer/songwriter Kim Richey will release A Long Way Back: The Songs of Glimmer on Yep Roc Records November 29. 

Even after close to three decades of performing, sales of over 15 million records, twice being named as group of the year at the Juno awards, and a selection into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Steven Page still feels he has to win his audience over at every show.

Singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel will return to the Café Carlyle for her seventh engagement, October 1-5. Reviewing a previous residency at the legendary cabaret, The New York Times called Joel, daughter of music legend Billy Joel and supermodel Christie Brinkley, a?oea singer following her own heart.a?? Joel, who recently exuded characteristic warmth, humor, and musicality in the 2018 documentary Always at the Carlyle, will sing a mix of original songs, Broadway numbers anda?"alwaysa?"a tune from her dad and one from Ray Charles. a?oePeople don't know this, but my middle name is after my dad's favorite singer, Ray Charles, so I always pay homage,a?? she explains.

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) announced today the lineup of fall productions and cabaret performances featuring students from A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program and Young Conservatory (YC). Single tickets for all productions and cabaret performances are on sale now by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at act-sf.org/csvshows.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the SeptemberPanel, What TRU Can Do for You: A Free Introduction to Our Community, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 7:30pm at The Playroom Theater 151 W. 46th Street, 8th floor. This introduction to TRU is free for everyone. E-mail TRUStaff1@gmail.com or register online at https://truonline.org/events/what-tru-can-do/ using the bright red ticketing box.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the SeptemberPanel, What TRU Can Do for You: A Free Introduction to Our Community, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 7:30pm at The Playroom Theater 151 W. 46th Street, 8th floor.

The popular duo KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar bring a new night of music and a new tribute to Broadway composers to The Laurie Beechman Theatre.

From the first bar of the opening song the audience quickly realizes this is not just another musical, it is an experience. The spectacular production of IN THE HEIGHTS opened Saturday, August 10 at Musical Theater Heritage in Crown Center under the direction of Nedra Dixon. This is the first production Dixon has directed for MTH and what a debut she made.

Following the Mystic Valley Band's recent reunion shows and a cover of his 2013 song “Dominos” on the critically acclaimed Better Oblivion Community Center album (which was the only one non-original Oberst/Bridgers composition), Taylor Hollingsworth's (Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band, Dead Fingers, The Dexateens) new LP Tap Dancin' Daddy is out August 2, 2019 on Flower Moon Records (the LA based label founded by Maria Taylor of Azure Ray).Today Taylor Hollingsworth shared the title track from the forthcoming release with PopMatters. About the song, PopMatters says, 'There's something beautifully fragile in Hollingsworth's performance on a song that calls to mind a '70s solo record from former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman or the country colors of Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance. And though it's a contemporary song, not a throwback, there is something about Hollingsworth's sincerity and the familiarity of the tale he tells that makes this a tune for any time.'

On Sunday, June 16, Washington, D.C.'s theatre community gathered to celebrate the end of MICHAEL KAHN's 33-year tenure as Artistic Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company with musical and dramatic performances, special guests from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and media, and a mayoral proclamation.

Producers and stars of the critically acclaimed hit musical, “Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show,” Sandy Hackett and Lisa Dawn Miller, have launched a new stage production, “Sandy and Lisa: The Show!” (www.sandylisatheshow.com). The show features songs written by Miller and her father, legendary songwriter, Ron Miller and classic comedy by Hackett, son of legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett.

When it comes to developing a loyal fan base, Troubadour Theater Company has found the secret: do outstanding work, stay true to your aesthetic, and give the people what they want - a great time at the theater. Artistic Director Matt Walker started the troupe and, with the help of longtime friend and foil, Beth Kennedy, continues to lead his merry band into the great theatrical unknown. Next up for the company is JULIUS WEEZER, which combines Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR and the music of Weezer to tell its tale of political intrigue Troubie style. Today, they talk about what it's like putting together a new show and why they keep on coming back for more.

Chicago audiences will be the first to see August Rush: The Musical, a world premiere musical crafted by some of the top creative artists working in American theater today, based on the Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. film about a musically gifted orphan and the search for his birth parents.

Actor/cabaret singer Stephanie Trudeau will perform an updated version of her docu-cabaret musical, 'Chavela: Think Of Me,' at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, April 12 and May 17.

After his hit production of King Charles III, David Muse returns to Shakespeare Theatre Company to direct Shakespeare's Richard the Third, a mesmerizing chronicle of the megalomaniac's rampage to the throne. The production will play at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW) from February 5-March 10, 2019.

Sarasota Opera announced its 2019-2020 Fall and Winter Festival Seasons today at a press conference held on the Sarasota Opera House main stage in Sarasota, Florida. Artistic director and principal conductor Victor DeRenzi and executive director Richard Russell presided over the event and were joined by principal artists performing selected arias from the upcoming seasons' works.

The Public Theater will begin previews for the New York premiere of SEA WALL / A LIFE with a Joseph Papp Free Preview performance on Friday, February 1. Written by Simon Stephens and Nick Payne respectively, and directed by Carrie Cracknell, SEA WALL / A LIFE will run through Sunday, March 31 in The Public's Newman Theater with an official press opening on Thursday, February 14. SEA WALL / A LIFE features Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge in their Public Theater debuts.

The McCallum Theatre presents Dave Koz & Friends 'Christmas Tour 2018' today, December 18, at 8:00pm as part of the Fitz's Jazz Cafe at the McCallum series. A holiday tradition returns to the McCallum as Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2018 brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Celebrated saxophonist Koz will be joined by special guests Mindi Abair, Jonathan Butler and Keiko Matsui performing their hits and jamming on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family. 

Philadelphia Theatre Company welcomes back everyone's favorite princesses for a heart-warming afternoon and evening concert for the entire family. During A Dream Is A Wish: Holiday Princess Concert audiences will sing-along with a gathering of  princes and princesses from popular movie musicals and television shows in a one-day-only event on Sunday, December 16, at 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite prince or princess. After the show, the cast will host  a meet-and-greet reception with holiday cookies, apple cider and photo opportunities. The Holiday Princess Concert will take place at Philadelphia Theatre Company at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (480 S. Broad Street). Tickets are on sale for $35 at philatheatreco.org, at the box-office, or by calling 215-985-0420.  Note: The 6:00pm show will feature a relaxed performance that welcomes children with autism or sensory or emotional sensitivities. 

The McCallum Theatre presents Dave Koz & Friends 'Christmas Tour 2018' on Tuesday, December 18, at 8:00pm as part of the Fitz's Jazz Cafe at the McCallum series. A holiday tradition returns to the McCallum as Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2018 brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Celebrated saxophonist Koz will be joined by special guests Mindi Abair, Jonathan Butler and Keiko Matsui performing their hits and jamming on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family.