Whirl-I-Gig - 1899 - Broadway Articles Page 20

NASHVILLE, TN - Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith has two deep and abiding interests aside from music: giving back to those who fight for our freedom and premium Mexican liquor. Therefore, in yet another meaningful display of support for America's veterans, Keith has announced that he will join with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) in several initiatives to include donating a portion of sales of his critically-acclaimed Wild Shot Mezcal to the organization.

Orange County, Calif.-May 11, 2015-One of America's most versatile and prolific living composers, Andre Previn, joins Pacific Symphony as the honored guest and focus of the 15th American Composers Festival (ACF). Previn, who has been called one of America's least easily categorized musicians, began his remarkable career as a Hollywood "wunderkind" and a best-selling jazz pianist. Now 86, Previn has received four Academy Awards for his work in film, 10 Grammy Awards for his recordings (plus one more for his Lifetime Achievement), and he is also an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He's held a series of major conducting posts, including the L.A. Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, but now exclusively composes. The concert is led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, whose great admiration for the legend shaped this year's ACF to reveal the scope of Previn's prowess as a composer. 

For 2015 Theater at Monmouth has planned a season of Magic, Murder, and Mayhem! Season 46 peeks into nature of reality and illusion, pokes fun at the foibles and fables of romances young and old, and will prick-up the hairs on the back of your neck. From Shakespeare to Stoppard and Coward to James, the 2015 Season is sure to be a perception-altering ride.

Hoagy Carmichael wrote Stardust, Georgia on My Mind, The Nearness of You and Heart and Soul, four of the most-recorded American songs of all time.

With much excitement, ZACH Theatre announces that Broadway's Original Dreamgirl, Grammy and Tony award-winning JENNIFER HOLLIDAY will star in this summer's Duke Ellington musical revue Sophisticated Ladies. For its premiere production in Austin, the show will play on the Topfer Stage from July 15 - August 23, 2015 under the direction of ABE REYBOLD.

As a preteen in 1992, thanks to a 'free week' of The Disney Channel, I became an expert on the working conditions of the 1899 newsboys of New York, and their famous conflict with newspaper giants William Randolph Hurst and Joseph Pulitzer. I also discovered a love for musical theatre, as I watched the dozens of acrobatic young men singing, dancing and exploding onto the streets of New York City as NEWSIES. When the tape I'd recorded the film on was eventually 'eaten' by my VHS player (and with Disney discontinuing distribution) my mother and I convinced Blockbuster to sell us their copy, once they acknowledged that we'd been the only rental for several months. When a DVD was eventually released the following decade, my mother immediately gifted me a copy, which I memorized word-for-word. NEWSIES finally made it's way to the stage in 2011, and I excitedly traveled to New Jersey for its premier, followed by two additional trips to see the production on Broadway. To say I'm a 'Fansie' may be an understatement, so I couldn't have been more excited to seize the day with the touring company earlier this week.

Pride Films & Plays is excited to announce a new production of Design for Living, a sexy and seductive revival of this Noel Coward classic which will be directed by PFP Artistic Associate Derek Bertelsen, and running at Rivendell Theater from October 22 to November 22. The press opening is Saturday, October 24 at 7:30.

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts (DECFA), headed by renowned dancer/choreographer Mercedes Ellington, the Duke's granddaughter, will celebrate Ellington's 116th birthday this year today, April 25, with a musical tribute to five other legendary jazz performers from 1 to 3 PM in front of the towering Duke Ellington Statue in the Plaza at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 110th Street.

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts (DECFA), headed by renowned dancer/choreographer Mercedes Ellington, the Duke's granddaughter, will celebrate Ellington's 116th birthday this year on Saturday, April 25, with a musical tribute to five other legendary jazz performers from 1 to 3 PM in front of the towering Duke Ellington Statue in the Plaza at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 110th Street.

In 1899 droves of newsboys from every borough of New York City banned together and went on strike against Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst and other wealthy newspaper owners, in a crusade to save children from menial wages and physical abuse. This was a first, where uneducated street kids stood up to the big suits and won. In 1992 Disney created the movie Newsies that went on to become a humongous hit. In 2012 Harvey Fierstein, Alan Menken and Jack Feldman came to Broadway with a musical show they created based on the film. Under the Disney banner, the first national tour of Newsies is currently onstage at the Pantages. All I can say is run, don't walk, to purchase tickets. The Newsies ensemble pulsates from the moment the lights hit the stage. It will jolt you, fulfill you and make you jump for joy.

The world premiere of Downs' new play, directed by Emmy-winner Patrick Flick, can use some work on the comic timing, but the cast shines

The Divine Miss Bette cabaret starring Sydney stage sensation, Catherine Alcorn returns to Sydney for one night only at 8.15pm, Thursday 19th March, 2015 at Slide Lounge Sydney. The Divine Miss Bette forms part of the 4 week SLIDE LOUNGE MARDI GRAS program featuring cabaret, comedy, circus, visual arts and community panels. Tickets are on sale now.

As part of its Southern Exposure Series, which features new and classic literature by Southern writers with Southern inspiration, Tennessee Shakespeare Company this spring returns to its popular Tuesday Literary Salons with the works of two form-breaking southern writers read in fun, intimate settings.

In just over a week Disney opens its national tour if Newsies in San Francisco for a month-long run. BroadwayWorld interviewed Zachary Sayle about the show's 'fansies,' life on the road, the banner the musical carries, and even Sayle's other Disney favorites. Sayle started his career at a young age, playing the child roles in tours of shows including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Sound of Music. He now plays Crutchie in the show based on an actual Newsboy strike of 1899 New York. Check out the full interview, then seize the day and buy your tickets at www.shnsf.com.

Admittedly, I am not in the target demographic for Disney's musical NEWSIES, running through February 1st at Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This musical, which concluded its two-and-a-half year Broadway run last fall, has inspired a legion of young, female fans who have dubbed themselves 'Fansies.' So while I might not be who the show is normally marketed towards, I left the Walt Disney Theatre on Opening Night completely infected by the optimism, athleticism, and heart of this movie-musical adaptation. Though far from being without fault, the score (which won a Tony for composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman), the script (by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein), and the immense talent of the young ensemble made this a exceptionally enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 206th season with Noel Coward's honeymoon of a comedy, PRIVATE LIVES. Directed by Bob Carlton, the play begins previews tonight, January 13th, opens on January 21st and runs through March 1st on the WST Mainstage.

A Disney show is always entertaining and NEWSIES, skillfully directed by Jeff Calhoun, has the Disney stamp of authenticity.

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 206th season with Noel Coward's honeymoon of a comedy, PRIVATE LIVES. Directed by Bob Carlton, the play begins previews on January 13th, opens on January 21st and runs through March 1st on the WST Mainstage.

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performance Arts invites entertainment fans to kick off 2015 with international artists and attractions from every discipline from rock to pop to classical music, from Broadway to Hollywood.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Into The Woods' finally opens tomorrow! Plus Porchlight's Sondheim season continues, TMTC's 'Allegro' at Ravinia, Laura Osnes is coming to town, 'Galavant' and the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards arrive in early January, followed by 'Tommy' in Aurora, 'First Date' at the Royal George, 'The Full Monty' at Theater Wit and more!

SOUL IN THE SEA PRODUCTIONS presents the world premiere of Rush by Callie Kimball at The Players' Ring, directed by Jasmin Hunter. Rush runs January 2 to January 18, 2014 at The Players' Ring in Portsmouth, NH. Showtimes are 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 pm on Sundays except the 18th when showtime is at 3 pm. The Players' Ring is located at 105 Marcy Street, near Prescott Park. Tickets are $15, or $12 for students, seniors, and Players' Ring Members. To reserve, visit www.playersring.org or call (603) 436-8123. Tickets may also be purchased at the door if available.