... The other impression I got from "Singin'" was the incredible depth of talent required of all the actors. The legendary Gene Kelly was the original choreographer, setting a high bar for anyone to follow (or vault over), to belabour the metaphor. This performance is meant to be extremely high intensity; highly athletic. To pull it off, actors must have a huge vocal range, a powerful voice, be highly gifted dancers in a number of genre's including tap, flamenco, ballet, have the agility of an acrobat, be incredibly funny and posses the ability to act !
They were all so physically beautiful, (or perfectly caste, befitting their role). One imagines a vast pool of players and an extreme vetting process to have achieved so many creme de la creme in one show.
Brian Regan is a comedian who has been performing since the 1980s. He first got the bug to do comedy while in college at Heidelberg College in Ohio. He was majoring in Communication and Theatre Arts. When he heard the audiences' reaction to his comedic lines in a play he was in, Brian was hooked. Ever since then, Brian has been working at refining his talent and entertaining audiences all over. He continues to draw sell-out crowds and a diverse audience. His comedy is the kind that many can relate to and you wouldn't be afraid to repeat to your boss or your children. Brian recently shared with me some of his memories of his career as well as his enthusiasm for comedy.
Beginning this fall, ENCORE will present 'The Big Miniseries Showcase,' a mix of classic and new critically acclaimed miniseries on Monday nights at 8pm ET/PT. The slate will debut with the U.S. television premiere of the ENCORE Original miniseries, 'The Crimson Petal and the White.' The BAFTA nominated two-part drama will premiere on Monday, September 10 and Tuesday, September 11 at 8pm ET/PT.
Birdland (315 West 44th Street - between 8th & 9th Aves.) has announced its line-up of entertainment for the month of August, 2012.
Today we are talking to Patricia Kelly, the widow of one of the most iconic and influential performers in entertainment history, Gene Kelly, all about her husband's incomparable career on Broadway and in Hollywood, in honor of his centennial. Tracing Gene Kelly's journey from his theatre roots starring in Cole Porter's LEAVE IT TO ME!, Rodgers & Hart's PAL JOEY and William Saroyan's Pulitzer Prize-winning THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE on Broadway to his unforgettable screen appearances in many of the greatest movie musicals ever made - COVER GIRL, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, THE PIRATE, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS and many more included - Mrs. Kelly gives us a look into the life of one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. In addition to behind-the-scenes stories involving Kelly's frequent collaborators - such as esteemed director Vincente Minnelli, songwriter and producer Arthur Freed, arranger Saul Chaplin and others - Mrs. Kelly also shares candid anecdotes involving her husband's involvement with directing Rodgers & Hammerstein's FLOWER DRUM SONG on Broadway, helming the feature film adaptation of HELLO, DOLLY! starring Barbra Streisand, as well as his appearing in two idiosyncratic movie musicals later in his life, LES DEMOISELLES DE ROCHEFORT (THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT) for Jacques Demy, as well as his au revoir to movie musicals in form of the Olivia Newton-John roller disco starrer XANADU. Additionally, Mrs. Kelly fills us in on all the details about this weekend's two-night Gene Kelly retrospective celebration, which she leads and narrates, as part of GENE KELLY @ 100 and her future plans for the multimedia presentation - each evening titled AN EVENING OF GENE KELLY and CHANGING THE LOOK OF DANCE ON FILM, respective - as she begins to tour the show across the country. Plus, reflections on SINGIN' IN THE RAIN's 60th anniversary and the recent Fathom HD premiere presentation in theaters, the impact of Kelly's work behind the camera, his choreographic legacy, what a legend is like at home, memories of attending the opening night of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (starring HELLO, DOLLY! lead Michael Crawford), what the master would say about GLEE, SMASH, BUNHEADS and today's movie musical renaissance, as well as much, much more!
Joe's Pub gives you a look ahead at the schedule today, July 9-July 15, including Amanda Holley, Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments, Matt Munisteri, Mary C., Happy Ending Music & Reading Series, Charles Perry, Kalman Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Trio, Summer & Eve, Batz, Bhi Bhiman, Justin Robinson & The Mary Annettes, Ilusha Tsinadze's Dede Ena, Russian Red with special guest Tulsa, Lori Lieberman, Michael Serveris, and Loose Cattle. See full details below!
Joe's Pub gives you a look ahead at its July 9-July 15 performances, including Amanda Holley, Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments, Matt Munisteri, Mary C., Happy Ending Music & Reading Series, Charles Perry, Kalman Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Trio, Summer & Eve, Batz, Bhi Bhiman, Justin Robinson & The Mary annettes, Ilusha Tsinadze's Dede Ena, Russian Red with special guest Tulsa, Lori Lieberman, Michael Serveris, and Loose Cattle. See full details below!
Earlier today I had the extreme privilege of speaking to one of the biggest Broadway stars of the new millennium all about her new ABC Family original series BUNHEADS - two-time Tony Award-winning triple-threat dynamo Sutton Foster. Candidly recalling her professional beginnings, auditioning for the national tour of THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES at only 17 for director/choreographer Jeff Calhoun - our recent 2012 Tony Awards special chat available here - and starring in GREASE on Broadway under his direction shortly thereafter, Foster also shares her post-Tony Awards night memories from ten years ago today, when she first won a trophy for her star-making turn in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Clearly, Foster has remained busy since her Tony-winning Reno Sweeney in the hit revival of ANYTHING GOES last season, as well, with the fantastic new Amy Sherman-Palladino-penned BUNHEADS proving to be the ideal opportunity for her to bring her considerable stage chops to the small screen and show off her serious skills as a comedienne, dancer, singer and actress to a whole new audience in a major way. Of course, Broadway babies have known for over a decade that Sutton Foster is the rare star that comes along once a generation and BUNHEADS now gives her the national stage so that she may give the world everything she's got to give - and that's a whole lot. In addition to an analysis of the central character on BUNHEADS, Michelle, and a look ahead to what we can expect in the ensuing season that kicks off tonight at 9 PM on ABC Family with the enchanting and hilarious pilot episode, Sutton and I also shine a light on the many musical theatre associations in the BUNHEADS universe, current and future - such as the razzle dazzle Las Vegas opening number of the pilot, penned by songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, which was originally performed on Broadway in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN; BUNHEADS series regular and A CHORUS LINE original cast standout Kelly Bishop as Michelle's domineering ballet instructor mother-in-law; Michelle's determination to land a lead role in CHICAGO someday; and, we even discuss some possibilities for musical numbers and song sequences on BUNHEADS in the future ("At The Ballet", perhaps?). Plus, Sutton shares her thoughts on SMASH, expresses her interest in exploring a revival of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN onstage soon and much, much more!
Today we are talking to the noted director of one of the most successful stage-to-screen adaptations of the new century, HAIRSPRAY, about his brand new feature film adaptation of Broadway's currently running 80s stadium rock smash hit ROCK OF AGES - the eminently talented Adam Shankman. Discussing the starry cast of ROCK OF AGES - Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige included - as well as the expanded songstack of the reconceived film version - which now includes Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock N Roll' and Def Leppard's 'Pour Some Sugar On me', among others - Shankman imparts his infectious enthusiasm for the movie musical format and expresses his relishing of the exciting possibilities afforded by the heavy metal jukebox property. Additionally, Shankman reminisces on his experiences filming HAIRSPRAY and confirms his future re-teaming with HAIRSPRAY and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL superstar Zac Efron on an upcoming film comedy which begins shooting next month, titled THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU, co-starring Jason Bateman and Goldie Hawn. Plus, memories of choreographing Paul Thomas Anderson's BOOGIE NIGHTS, directing two episodes of GLEE, working with Carrie Ann Inaba on ROCKULA more than twenty years ago (his film debut), anecdotes about SMASH - and much, much more!
The Hartt School, the comprehensive performing arts school of the University of Hartford, today announced that the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has renewed its support for School's Richard P. Garmany Chamber Music Series through 2014. The Fund, which has been the principal underwriter of the Series since its inception, will provide Hartt with $53,000 for each of the next two seasons.
Sony Music Entertainment will release TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances on DVD on March 6th which is a stunning companion to the singer's celebrated DUETS II CD (on RPM/Columbia Records), which has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.
Jeremy Schonfeld, Scars on 45 and more are set for performances this week at Joe's Pub.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, announced today the nominees for its 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. By recognizing and honoring media for outstanding images of the LGBT community, the GLAAD Media Awards serve as a benchmark for the media industry and complement GLAAD's work to bring LGBT images and stories to Americans.
Jessie Mueller is currently making her Broadway debut in ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER alongside Grammy and Emmy Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist Harry Connick, Jr. The production opened on December 11, 2011at the St. James Theater.
Following several years of their wildly successful parties on the night before New Years Eve, THE SALON is set to present another unforgettable vintage affair - their 4th annual NEW YEARS EVE EVE party at the historic Copacabana in Times Square, in the final event celebrating their 10th Anniversary year.
So which of Santa's lists are you on? The Naughty or the Nice? Well for those of you that lean toward the Naughty then I probably saw you last night at the most interesting holiday diversion I've seen in awhile, "Mezzo Lunatico" at Teatro ZinZanni. Burlesque and Drag acts coupled with irreverent holiday songs and you have a fun evening that'll make you stop thinking about your visiting in-laws for a little while. And while the show lacked some focus at times, all in all it was a deliciously decadent good time.
Hosted by Seattle's Premiere Fancy Lady Ben DeLaCreme, and Santa of course, this late night holiday offering shows us that Christmas doesn't have to be all sugar plum fairies and candy canes and that there's room for sex, booze and tits at this time of year. Burlesque performers Iva Handfull and The Heavenly Spies were on hand for the later of those. I especially liked Iva's ode to Black Friday shopping. Even DeLaCreme managed to doff her frillies as the naughtiest girl to ever sit on Santa's lap. Breakdancing crew the Massive Monkees gave us a lesson in dealing with bullies (although I'm still uncertain what that one had to do with the holidays).
But the highlights of the evening I'd say had to come from the singers. A Capella singing group, Captain Smartypannts offered us the most interesting rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas" as well as every Christmas special ever made told in just a few minutes. And recently thawed from a block of ice 1920's singing duo, The Vaudevillians had us on the floor with their antics and reclaimed song stylings. And I have to mention host DeLaCreme and her hilarious retelling of the nativity story set to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way".
So the booze was flowing, the performers as well as the waiters and waitresses were quite scantily clad and the acts kept us hooting for more. Seriously, if you weren't on the naughty list before the show, you would be after. So if you're looking for a break from the visiting family, you could do a lot worse than a night of debauchery at Teatro ZinZanni's holiday offering "Mezzo Lunatico". Or you could bring the in-laws with you. Either they'll love it as much as you or they'll be so offended they'll never visit again. Either way, it's win-win.
"Mezzo Lunatico" performs at Teatro ZinZanni December 16th and 17th. For tickets or information on this or future shows, contact the Teatro ZinZanni box office at 206-802-0015 or visit them online at www.dreams.zinzanni.org.
Following several years of their wildly successful parties on the night before New Years Eve, THE SALON is set to present another unforgettable vintage affair - their 4th annual NEW YEARS EVE EVE party at the historic Copacabana in Times Square, in the final event celebrating their 10th Anniversary year.
Long Way Down, Nashville playwright Nate Eppler's critically acclaimed new work which premiered locally earlier this year, has been named a semi-finalist for the 2012 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award.
WEST SIDE STORY is definitely back in a big way - in the last two weeks alone it has had its very own tribute episode on GLEE featuring four of the show's most famous songs, and, also, Fathom re-released the new HD remastering of the film in movie theaters nationwide for a one-night-only showing - so, given its 50th anniversary, the time has definitely come to pay tribute to one of the finest American movie musicals ever manufactured, which itself was based on one of the most innovative, controversial and progressive Broadway shows in history. From 'A Boy Like That' to 'Tonight' to 'Somewhere' and beyond, this is a score that has enraptured two or three entire generations - with very, very good reason; these songs are simply musical and lyrical magic. Truly, this is as good as musical theatre gets, and, furthermore, the 1960 film version by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise is just as good. The combination of the two? Transcendent. No, never before has WEST SIDE STORY presented the power, potency, prescience and put forth the plosive overall 'pow!' to the system - heart, mind and body - than it does, here, now, on the absolutely sensational new 3-disc 50th Anniversary Blu-ray edition, which will be released on Tuesday. I was lucky enough to get a copy early and I was simply blown away in every single imaginable way. A red, hot and blue all-American movie masterpiece given its full, magnificent, ecstatic due on Blu-ray. Be prepared to be blown away. Bam!
Broadway luminaries Carolee Carmello, Judy Kaye, and Roz Ryan will grace The 5th Avenue Theatre stage under the direction of David Armstrong in the West Coast premiere of Saving Aimee, a soul-stirring new musical with book and lyrics by Kathie Lee Gifford, and music by David Pomeranz and David Friedman.
Our sixth season will be a season of rediscovery. Join us as we bring to life five classic musicals and one comedy show. 'Make life a banquet' as we kick off 2012 with the hilarious and entertaining antics of Mame. Join us for a riotous, madcap comedy that will get everyone caught in the act with Michael Frayn's Noises Off. Next up, bring the entire family to the Theatre as we explore the mysterious wonders of The Secret Garden with 11-year old Mary Lennox.
Dundalk Community Theatre will hold auditions for their production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with direction and choreography by Tom Wyatt. The audition accompanist will be Doug Lawler.
Broadway luminaries Carolee Carmello, Judy Kaye, and Roz Ryan will grace The 5th Avenue Theatre stage under the direction of David Armstrong in the West Coast premiere of Saving Aimee, a soul-stirring new musical with book and lyrics by Kathie Lee Gifford, and music by David Pomeranz and David Friedman.
The world premiere of the new comedy, 'Jackass Flats,' written by C.C. Loveheart and John Simon, opens tonight at upstate New York's Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville, site of the non-profit, Actors' Equity theater's first world premiere in 15 years.
Cortland Repertory Theatre will serve up plenty of 'razzle dazzle' in the second show of their 40th Anniversary 'Ruby Jubilee' season as they present the notoriously sassy and jazzy musical 'Chicago', with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book written by Ebb and Bob Fosse, based on the play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins.
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