Can-Can 2004 - Articles Page 31

The McCallum Theatre presents the Cirque Mechanics' critically acclaimed BOOM TOWN April 5-7. Cirque Mechanics was founded in 2004 and quickly established itself as a premiere American circus. With its unique approach to performance, inspiring storytelling and innovative mechanical staging it has been hailed as "the greatest contribution to the American circus since Cirque du Soleil". I had the chance to sit down with Chris Lashua, the troupe's founder and Creative Director, to chat about all things Cirque. Here are a few highlights from that conversation:

BAX / Brooklyn Arts Exchange announces LIVING PROOF, a performance featuring student, director & guest choreography with DPW III and BAXco Youth Dance Company, Friday & Saturday, May 18-19, 2012 at 7:30pm. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/912541.

Bang on a Can takes over Alice Tully Hall presented by Lincoln Center's Great Performers series in a triple-bill birthday bash on Saturday, April 28 at 7pm featuring the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Asphalt Orchestra, and MIT's Gamelan Galak Tika. Bang on a Can is celebrating 25 years during 2012, having grown from a one-day New York-based Marathon concert (on Mother's Day in 1987 in a SoHo art gallery) to a multi-faceted performing arts organization with a broad range of year-round international activities.

Lincoln Center will celebrate the 25th birthday of New York's tirelessly inventive new music institution Bang on a Can with musical fireworks in an extraordinary three-part program that will include a U.S. and a New York premiere on Saturday, April 28, at 7 PM in Alice Tully Hall.

The erstwhile jazz singer has such musical theater heavyweights as Michael Mayer, Tom Kitt and William Finn in her corner.

Lincoln Center will celebrate the 25th birthday of New York's tirelessly inventive new music institution Bang on a Can with musical fireworks in an extraordinary three-part program that will include a U.S. and a New York premiere on Saturday, April 28, at 7 PM in Alice Tully Hall.

The newly imagined Broadway production of ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER starring Grammy and Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Harry Connick, Jr. opens tonight at The St James Theatre.

British choreographer Wayne McGregor, one of England's choreographic crown jewels, has science on his mind, a belief that it can partner well with dance, and help inspire new ideas. 'FAR,' McGregor's most recent dance, which premieres at Peak Performances October 27-30, is the product of just such a collaboration.

British choreographer Wayne McGregor, one of England's choreographic crown jewels, has science on his mind, a belief that it can partner well with dance, and help inspire new ideas. 'FAR,' McGregor's most recent dance, which premieres at Peak Performances October 27-30, is the product of just such a collaboration.

British choreographer Wayne McGregor, one of England's choreographic crown jewels, has science on his mind, a belief that it can partner well with dance, and help inspire new ideas. 'FAR,' McGregor's most recent dance, which premieres at Peak Performances October 27-30, is the product of just such a collaboration.

In honor of this Sunday's once-in-a-lifetime worldwide live movie theater showing of the 25th anniversary celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Fathom - the same company who recently brought us LES MISERABLES, Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY, and Shakespeare's Globe Series, among others - today we are going to take a look at many of the various aspects of the world's most successful entertainment as it swings like a wonton chandelier into cinemas worldwide direct from the Royal Albert Hall for the next two weeks. By going back and revisiting the hallowed origins of the haunting operatic musical - Hal Prince, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman included - as well as a look at the various iterations of the show since its inception - such as the 2004 film version, PHANTOM VEGAS and the musical sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES - perhaps we, too, can bring back the music and memories and magical moments of so many years ago - 25 to be exact - with this special spotlight of illumination on all aspects of what makes PHANTOM a sensation, now and forever.

The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today at their Annual Board Meeting the extension of David Bohnett's term as Chairman. Bohnett, who joined the Philharmonic Board in January 2004, became the Chairman in October 2008 for a three-year term, set to expire this year.

The Big Bang, starring award-winning actors Tony Braithwaite and Ben Dibble, returns to the Kimmel Center stage September 14-October 30. Tickets for the return engagement are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.kimmelcenter.org or by calling the box office at 215-893-1999. Talk Backs with the actors will take place after select performances.

The Big Bang, starring award-winning actors Tony Braithwaite and Ben Dibble, returns to the Kimmel Center stage September 14-October 30. Tickets for the return engagement are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.kimmelcenter.org or by calling the box office at 215-893-1999. Talk Backs with the actors will take place after select performances.

Our first guest is Gavin Creel, a two time Tony nominee for HAIR and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Creel was also seen in the 2004 Broadway Revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, The Goodman Theatre/Kennedy Center production of BOUNCE, as well as HAIR and MARY POPPINS on the West End. In addition to his work in the theatre, Creel has built up a loyal fan base playing his original music to sold-out crowds across the country and at such New York hot spots as Irving Plaza, Joe's Pub, Symphony Space and Arlene's Grocery. His debut pop album "GOODTIMENATION," and intimate follow-up EP, "Quiet," were both written and recorded with long time collaborator, Robbie Roth. BroadwayWorld.com is thrilled to announce that Creel is putting the finishing touches on his third studio album that will be released this spring! Gavin joins Seth Rudetsky to make his Provincetown concert debut next week as part of the Broadway At The Art House series, Saturday, August 27th at 9pm and Sunday, August 28th at 7:30pm.

When I'm not at a show, I keep my eyes and brain busy by learning as much as I can about Broadway from my favorite books on the subject. My current favorites range from fiction to memoir to history. Here are the books that I'm currently keeping close by.

The newly imagined Broadway production of ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER starring Grammy and Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Harry Connick, Jr. will open on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at The St James Theatre. Previews are set to begin on November 12, 2011. The delightful Tony Award nominated score by Burton Lane (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) is enhanced by classics from their film scores for On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) and Royal Wedding (1951). With a new book by Peter Parnell based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner, the musical is reconceived and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Awards, founded by Russ Ivey, originated in October of 2004 with the intention of recognizing those hardworking individuals that put their time and effort into Community and Non-Union Professional Theater. There are many aspiring actors that would like to be given recognition for their skills and dedication to the performing arts. Many of those are of the desire to build their resume so that they will be given more audition opportunities. Secondly, many theaters have a hard time marketing themselves so they can draw not only an audience, but a lot of the talent to their shows. This is where the MAT Awards come in. The 'MAT' is one of thirty one different categories that are presented on an annual basis. Each year, an Award Ceremony is held to present those awards to the individuals/theaters that have put the time and effort into making their productions great. Those categories are the following:

Grammy and Emmy Award winner, Tony Award nominee and multi-platinum recording artist Harry Connick, Jr. will star in a reimagined production of ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER opening fall 2011 on Broadway at a theatre to be announced. The delightful Tony Award nominated score by Burton Lane (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) is enhanced by classics from their film scores for On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) and Royal Wedding (1951). With a new book by Peter Parnell based on the original book by Alan Jay Lerner, the musical is reconceived and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer. Further casting and creative team to be announced shortly.

Award winning TV/Radio Host, Comedian and Celebrity Interviewer Scott Nevins can currently be seen every Thursday night on TruTV's hit show 'The Smoking Gun Presents' and hosting the red carpet at A-list Hollywood events for TV Land. But Soctt will make a rare appearance with his new show 'One Night Stand' in Palm Springs on Sunday, May 29th at Blame It On Midnight. Scott has hosted over 300 live events, and has collected a roster of celebrity interviews to rival a seasoned veteran twice his age, working with some of the industries best including the legendary Liza Minnelli, Susan Lucci, Lynn Redgrave, Laura Linney, Rosie O'Donnell, and Tammy Faye Messner-Bakker, to name only a few.

Today marks the last episode review of the second season of Fox's hit musical dramedy series GLEE and I'm sure that many will agree with me that last night's show was as good a Season Two send-off as could have possibly been expected from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan and company given what has gone on this year so far. Besides the sights and sounds of the dramatic NYC wrap-up, the Broadway babies amongst the gleeks were treated to the extended returns of fan favorite Jonathan Groff and new cast member Cheyenne Jackson, in addition to a characteristically fabulous cameo by Broadway legend Patti LuPone - and the grand return of international singing sensation - as well as a participant in this column; in addition to Mr. Groff, yesterday (and, coming up: Mr. Jackson) - the big-voiced-diva known as Charice. While original songs dominated the episode, we were also treated to a mash-up of Madonna's 'I Love New York' and the Leonard Bernstein/Betty Comden/Adolph Green ON THE TOWN anthem 'New York, New York' (and a sample of the Kander & Ebb version elsewhere in the episode, 'for good' measure), in addition to one of the musical highlights of not only this episode, but all of Season Two - a song which was incidentally premiered in this very column on BroadwayWorld last week: Lea Michele and Chris Colfer putting their own spin on the WICKED curtain song 'For Good' on the very stage of the Gershwin Theater where the Broadway smash plays eight times a week - and has since 2004 - right where fellow GLEE guest stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel first sang it. While the musical quotient on GLEE is always appreciably entertaining - with few exceptions - this season has been significantly more expansive and varied in its storytelling style, so the question of the season undoubtedly is: was it all wrapped up satisfactorily? Well, we'll just have to stack it all up side-by-side-by-side-by-side and see, now, won't we? But, one thing is crystal clear: GLEE in NYC was all it was cracked up - and built up - to be. The big pay-off. Finally. Or, make that more to the point: finale.

Award winning TV/Radio Host, Comedian and Celebrity Interviewer Scott Nevins can currently be seen every Thursday night on TruTV's hit show 'The Smoking Gun Presents' and hosting the red carpet at A-list Hollywood events for TV Land. But Soctt will make a rare appearance with his new show 'One Night Stand' in Palm Springs on Sunday, May 29th at Blame It On Midnight. Scott has hosted over 300 live events, and has collected a roster of celebrity interviews to rival a seasoned veteran twice his age, working with some of the industries best including the legendary Liza Minnelli, Susan Lucci, Lynn Redgrave, Laura Linney, Rosie O'Donnell, and Tammy Faye Messner-Bakker, to name only a few.

The Lion King roared back into Toronto Wednesday night, where it opened for a very limited run at The Princess of Wales Theatre. The show has been a hit in the city before, enjoying a four year run in early 2000 before leaving in 2004. BWW had the opportunity to talk with Associate Director John Stefaniuk about what is has been like bringing this show to his hometown of Toronto.

NJPAC, which will be hosting an upcoming touring production of A CHORUS LINE, is hoping to break a Guinness record by amassing 1,629 chorus dancers at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack, NJ this Saturday. The current record for Guinness' 'World's Largest Chorus Line' was set in 2004 and consisted of 1,628 dancers.

'No more saves, no more exceptions, and no one can escape the outcome of your over 55 million votes.' Ryan Seacrest painted the perfect picture of tonight's episode right off the bat. With last week's dramatic Casey Abrams rescue, tonight became the first and only double elimination of the season.