Some of My Best Friends - 1977 - Broadway Articles Page 9

Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

On Aug. 12, 2015, The Charlie Daniels Band's legendary Volunteer Jam, a star-studded, multi-genre musical extravaganza that has featured artists like James Brown, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Don Henley and Lynyrd Skynyrd (to name a few), returns to Nashville. In addition to The Charlie Daniels Band, the highly-anticipated 40th anniversary event will bring a slew of special guests to Bridgestone Arena, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Kentucky Headhunters, Montgomery Gentry, the Outlaws, Lee Roy Parnell and Travis Tritt, with even more exciting artist announcements coming soon. And, because this is THE Volunteer Jam, ticket holders can expect a few BIG surprises from unannounced acts.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two weeks of voting left for the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! The 'Annie' film and 'The Merry Widow' open, 'Patsy Cline' extends, 'Sherlock Holmes' sings, 'Cupid' has a heart, and MCL Chicago, Drury Lane Oakbrook and Black Ensemble Theater plan new works for 2015, including 'Beaches' and a tribute to Roger Ebert!

You haven't seen A Christmas Story until you've seen it live on stage at Cleveland Play House! This hilarious comedy based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd has been delighting TV audiences for over 30 years. But instead of waiting for the 24-hour TV marathon to start, why not experience the magic of the holiday season live on stage with your loved ones at the Allen Theatre? Cleveland Play House's exuberant production of this beloved holiday classic will have you in stitches as you follow the trials and tribulations of little Ralphie Parker in his quest for the "holy grail" of Christmas gifts. With so many memorable moments and iconic images, it's no wonder that an illuminated leg lamp and pink bunny suit have become synonymous with the holiday season! Experience the magic for yourself November 28 - December 21 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

Founder of MUMMENSCHANZ Floriana Frassetto discusses the troupe's upcoming New York engagement, as well as their currently running US tour.

Three previously unreleased Queen tracks featuring late singer Freddie Mercury spearhead an exciting new Queen album, Queen Forever, due today, November 11 th 2014 on Hollywood Records.

You haven't seen A Christmas Story until you've seen it live on stage at Cleveland Play House! This hilarious comedy based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd has been delighting TV audiences for over 30 years. But instead of waiting for the 24-hour TV marathon to start, why not experience the magic of the holiday season live on stage with your loved ones at the Allen Theatre? Cleveland Play House's exuberant production of this beloved holiday classic will have you in stitches as you follow the trials and tribulations of little Ralphie Parker in his quest for the "holy grail" of Christmas gifts. With so many memorable moments and iconic images, it's no wonder that an illuminated leg lamp and pink bunny suit have become synonymous with the holiday season! Experience the magic for yourself November 28 - December 21 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

A SECRET life will soon be exposed at a funeral and the bombshell will cause tempers - and ashes - to fly.

On July 7th 1977, Emerson, Lake and Palmer performed the opening concert of a three-night stand at Madison Square Garden. The tour, in support of their new album 'Works Volume One' was famous and infamous for the massive 76-piece symphony orchestra and choir that it featured. It was also the first concert of any kind that this writer attended. No concert in nearly forty years of concert-going has left the same kind of impression.

Three previously unreleased Queen tracks featuring late singer Freddie Mercury spearhead an exciting new Queen album, Queen Forever, due November 11 th 2014 on Hollywood Records.

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has exclusively licensed the North American catalog rights to recordings made by The Kinks for RCA Records and Arista in the years from 1971 to 1985.

From September 4-14, 2014, Houston Ballet launches its 45th season with the company premiere of John Neumeier's three-act ballet A Midsummer Night's Dream. The ballet is based on Shakespeare's lighthearted play of the same name and follows the hijinks and hilarity that ensues when a well-intentioned plan with a love potion goes awry. Created in 1977, A Midsummer Night's Dream has served as Mr. Neumeier's calling card, being seen as one of his most joyous and popular creations. Houston Ballet is the first American ballet company to perform the famous work and it is the first piece by Mr. Neumeier to enter the Houston Ballet repertoire.

The Old Globe today announced the full cast and creative team for the World Premiere of Bright Star, a new American musical featuring music by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin, lyrics by Brickell, and book by Martin, based on an original story by Martin and Brickell. Directed by Walter Bobbie, Bright Star will run September 13 - November 2, 2014 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run September 13 - September 27. Opening night is Sunday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets go on sale on Friday, August 8 at noon.

Warner/Chappell Music, the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group Corp., today announced that it has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter, producer and recording artist Terius Nash

Following the recent release of Clearlight's critically acclaimed 'The Impressionists Symphony' CD, comes another groundbreaking new album composed by Cyrille 'Clearlight' Verdeaux titled 'Tribal Hybrid Concept' on Gonzo MultiMedia.

It's been rumored, talked about, discussed and we've been reporting on it for what feels like forever -- and now, it's official! Roundabout Theatre Company has announced that it will present Tony & Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth as 'Lily Garland' and Golden Globe & SAG Award winner & Tony nominee Peter Gallagher as 'Oscar Jaffe' in a new Broadway production of the classic musical ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, directed by Scott Ellis and choreographed by Warren Carlyle. ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY features music by Cy Coleman and book & lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green.

Join us for a one night only musical tribute to Colm Wilkinson featuring Broadway stars Adam Brazier, Chilina Kennedy, Aaron Walpole, Tony nominee Josh Young, internationally acclaimed Jennie Such, and more artists performing the gorgeous songs he made famous.

Philip Roger Roy & Dana Matthow present the National Touring Company of the smash-hit comedy sensation, MY MOTHER'S ITALIAN, MY FATHER'S JEWISH AND I'M IN THERAPY!, written by Steve Solomon, directed by Andy Rogow and starring Peter J. Fogel. MY MOTHER'S ITALIAN, MY FATHER'S JEWISH AND I'M IN THERAPY! plays tonight, April 23 through May 18.

This April, May and June at 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

On the night of 28th May 1984 the best-loved comedian this country has ever produced died suddenly from a heart attack. Four years previously on Christmas Day 1977 The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special attracted 28 million viewers - half the entire population of the UK at the time. In the thirty years since Eric Morecambe's untimely death his popularity has not waned. With numerous tribute programmes, TV re-runs and DVD releases, his work, as one half of Britain's most popular double act ever, has been kept alive and introduced to a whole new generation of fans. In 2014 to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Morecambe's passing a brand new production of the Olivier award winning West End play that celebrates the life of the man who played all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order, embarks on a major national tour.

Broadway In Chicago has announced the upcoming 2014 fall season line-up. Broadway In Chicago's 2013 fall season will include BUYER & CELLAR, Emerald City Theatre's CHARLOTTE'S WEB, the World Premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the World Premiere of DEE SNIDER'S ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS TALE, ANNIE, NEWSIES and RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA.

This March, April and May at 54 BELOW presents a lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

Today, The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep's Center for the Creation and Development of New Work announces that it has selected 18 projects from more than 30 innovative artists for its third Summer Residency Lab. This June, as part of an extraordinary laboratory for collaboration, some of the nation's most prominent and promising writers, directors, and composers will unite at the Theatre's campus in West Berkeley for an intense four-week period to live, dine, and create new plays together. Dozens more local and out-of-town actors and directors will join The Ground Floor process, bringing the number of artists involved close to 100.

Actor, musician and writer Peter Gallagher makes his debut at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs with his one-man show, 'How'd All You People Get In My Room?,' tonight, February 22 at 8:00 pm. Gallagher will share real-life stories from his early days starting out as a young actor in New York, to working with legends like Jack Lemmon, Tom Stoppard, Mike Nichols, Robert Altman, Peter O'Toole and more. Joined by his band, Gallagher brings his experiences to life with songs ranging from Broadway, to music from the hit television show 'The OC,' to classics from Sammy Cahn, Jules Styne, Burt Bacharach and Van Morrison. Gallagher made his Broadway debut in 1977 as Danny Zuko in 'Grease'. He later starred as Sky Masterson in the 1992 Tony-Winning revival of 'Guys And Dolls' , as well as the musicals 'Pal Joey' and 'Annie Get Your Gun'. I had the chance to talk with Gallagher as he was preparing for his Palm Springs stint, Here are a few excerpts from that conversation.

Actor, musician and writer Peter Gallagher makes his debut at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs with his one-man show, 'How'd All You People Get In My Room?,' on Saturday, February 22 at 8:00 pm. Gallagher will share real-life stories from his early days starting out as a young actor in New York, to working with legends like Jack Lemmon, Tom Stoppard, Mike Nichols, Robert Altman, Peter O'Toole and more. Joined by his band, Gallagher brings his experiences to life with songs ranging from Broadway, to music from the hit television show 'The OC,' to classics from Sammy Cahn, Jules Styne, Burt Bacharach and Van Morrison. Gallagher made his Broadway debut in 1977 as Danny Zuko in 'Grease'. He later starred as Sky Masterson in the 1992 Tony-Winning revival of 'Guys And Dolls' , as well as the musicals 'Pal Joey' and 'Annie Get Your Gun'. I had the chance to talk with Gallagher as he was preparing for his Palm Springs stint, Here are a few excerpts from that conversation.