You Never Can Tell - 1977 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 9

Soprano Lisa Delan, pianist Kristin Pankonin and cellist Matt Haimovitz, present a rich and varied collection of art songs by living American composers entitled AND IF THE SONG BE WORTH A SMILE: AN EVENING OF AMERICAN SONG, Friday, May 21, 2010 at 8 p.m. at Rose Theater in Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street.

The only negative thing I'll say about Fela!, the Off-Broadway docu-musical inspired by the life of Nigerian political activist and musical revolutionary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is that it never engaged this martini-swilling Manhattanite who entered the theatre unschooled in the culture and politics of the protagonist's homeland. The professionalism, exuberance and entertainment value of the piece is undeniable and I imagine many of my dear readers would have a terrific time visiting 37 Arts these days. But unless you're going in with a full knowledge of and an emotional attachment to its controversial subject, you may find, save for a well done moment late in the game, there is little dramatic pull to the proceedings to sustain interest for its two and a half hours. An audience full of fans of this internationally known artist who died in 1997 might understandably be thrilled by Fela! but while its potent message of the power of music to combat oppression is certainly universal, it took a review of the text's stage directions and a bit of Googling for this neophyte to get a fuller picture of the life and culture on display.

From the soaring melodies of classic revivals to the hottest dramas playing today - there is no experience like 'Broadway.' And part of what makes Broadway so exciting is that it's located right smack dab in the middle of New York City! With 'THE BROADWAY LOCAL', World MasterCard celebrates the creative theatre professionals who bring their talents to the city's Broadway stages and call the Big Apple home.

With only two weeks to go in AVENUE Q's Broadway run, we profile its leading lady.

What do a former Evangelical Christian and singing cowboy, a famous Harlem Renaissance writer, a homeless woman, a gay high school student, a writers' colony, six lesbians and a gay Mormon have in common? Why, the Fresh Fruit Festival, of course.

What do a former Evangelical Christian and singing cowboy, a famous Harlem Renaissance writer, a homeless woman, a gay high school student, a writers' colony, six lesbians and a gay Mormon have in common? Why, the Fresh Fruit Festival, of course.

Desire Under the Elms has just announced that it will transfer from Chicago's Goodman Theatre to Broadway's St. James Theater. Previews will begin on April 14, with opening night set for April 27th.

This Veteran's Day, as America takes a moment to remember those brave men and women who have served our country, Roundabout Theatre Company opens David Rabe's award-winning and stirring play, STREAMERS. Brad Fleischer stars as Billy, a wide-eyed and sentimental young man, struggling to understand his new army-life as the Vietnam conflict escalates. Tensions rise over race, sexuality and class, culminating in an explosive act that changes them forever...

Tony Award Nominee Andrea McArdle talks about her role in Les Miz and sharing the stage with her daughter.

NEW THIS WEEK! Several local theatres to present holiday fare for families and adults! PLUS: Free Theatre for BWW Readers!

NEW THIS WEEK! An EXCLUSIVE, FREE PREVIEW FOR BWW READERS! Best Bet at Spotlighters! Readers Write: Are Audiences Shrinking? New shows open at MET and Onstage! Discounts and much more!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed Tuesday the 79th Academy Awards poster design, which features dozens of the most memorable and quotable lines from motion pictures, including a handful of films adapted from Broadway hits...

Tony-Nominated Keith Roberts Hurt in Baltimore May Miss One Month from 'Movin' Out' Tour

Five one-act plays sewn seamlessly together by Director Scott Edmiston

I recently sat down in the recording studio with Broadway star Rob Evan, and with record producer Steven Rinkoff for the two to fill me in on one of their most ambitious projects yet. Over the Top: Songs by Jim Steinman is best described as 'an inverted jukebox musical,' and it's coming next to the Mohegan Sun June 9-12.

Frank Wildhorn is no stranger to the music world and neither are his tunes. His music has been heard all over the world on stages, at national and international special events, and on all-star recordings. Read on for the latest about Dracula, Jekyll & Hyde in Concert and more...