PERFORMANCE NEWS
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A.J.
Shively, Demi Fragale, Olli Haaskivi
featured in Irish Rep Reading Of BERNICE BOBS HER HAIR ~
MT grads, A.J. Shively, Demi Fragale, Olli Haaskivi featured
in the cast. The Irish
Repertory Theatre continues its New Works Reading Series with a free
reading of BERNICE BOBS HER HAIR, a new musical featuring music by Adam Gwon and book
and lyrics by Julia
Jordan on Friday, May 21 at 2:00pm at the Irish
Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) in Manhattan.
Mara
Newbury cast in SHREK National Tour~
Mara Newbury (’07) will be featured in the national tour of Shrek the Musical, which launches July 13 at the Cadillac Palace
Theatre in Chicago. Opening July
13th, individual tickets are priced $25-$90; a select number of
premium seats are also available. Tickets are available at all Broadway In
Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe
St.); the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000; all Ticketmaster
retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and
fye stores); and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Marcia
Milgrom Dodge is teaming with Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey~ Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who
received a 2010 Tony nomination for her direction of the critically acclaimed,
but short-lived Broadway revival of Ragtime,
has landed her next job. Dodge
told Playbill.com that she will direct the
141st edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which
launches at Madison Square Garden in March 2011. "We go into rehearsal
right after Thanksgiving," Dodge said, "and I'm directing [and]
taking [Ragtime's] Derek McLane with
me to do the sets and [Wicked's]
Susan Hilferty to do costumes. It's going to be a big Broadway team working on
it, so we're really excited."
Jen Cody
Hosts Playscripts' BC/EFA Benefit May 10 featuring Nick Blaemire~
Broadway favorite and Michigan MT, Jen Cody (Shrek the Musical) hosts the Playscripts,
Inc. 10th Anniversary Gala May 10 at Caroline's on Broadway. The 6 PM evening, which benefits
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, features celebrity performances of scenes
and songs from the Playscripts, Inc. catalogue. Scheduled to perform among several,
Nick Blaemire (’03). Tickets are $40 and include the show, hors d'oeuvres and
beer and wine, and can be purchased online at www.broadwaycares.org. Caroline's on
Broadway is located at 1626 Broadway.
Danny
Gurwin Will Sing Bobby Cronin Tunes in Los Angeles~
Danny Gurwin (’92) will be featured in an evening of the
songs of composer-lyricist Bobby Cronin will be presented May 27 at Barre
Vermont — formerly Upright Cabaret — in Los Angeles. Barre Vermont is part of
the Vermont restaurant complex located at 1714 N. Vermont in Los Angeles.
Tickets are $15; advance tickets buyers receive priority seating and are
available at www.showatbarre.com. Tickets
(if available) can also be purchased at the door two hours prior to show time.
Cary
Tedder nominated for an Astaire Award for MEMPHIS~
The Astaire Awards recognize outstanding achievement in
dance on Broadway each season.
Cary Tedder, Michigan MT, along with his male ensemble making up the
cast of MEMPHIS were nominated in the stage category/ male dances for a 2010
Astaire Award.
Jordan
Barrow featured in at Papermill Playhouse~
Jordan Barrow, Michigan MT, will be featured in Paper Mill
Playhouse's upcoming production of the family-friendly musical Peter Pan. The show will play the New Jersey venue June 2-27. Tickets
may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343 or by visiting www.papermill.org.
Andrew
Lippa nominated for ADDAM’S FAMILY Drama Desk & Tony Awards~
Andrew Lippa, Michigan MT, was nominated for Outstanding
Music for his score and lyrics for THE ADDAM’S FAMILY by the Drama Desk; the
new musical received 8 nominations.
He was also nominated for Best Original Score, music and lyrics, Written
for the Theatre; the new musical received 2 Tony nominations. The Tony Awards will be broadcast in a
live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on CBS June 13. For more
information, visit www.TonyAwards.com.
Alexis
Sims featured in Cirque’s BANANA SHPEEL in NYC~
After many weeks in the sunshine of development, Banana Shpeel, the latest Cirque du
Soleil production, is finally ripe enough for New York City, featuring Alexis
Sims (’06), MT Grad. The vaudeville-style theatrical production with circus
acts begins April 29 at the Beacon Theatre. Opening night is May 19. Tickets
are currently on sale through Aug. 29, and can be purchased at www.schmelkyproductions.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (866)
858-0008.
Jesse
Nager featured in upcoming recording of Broadway Boys~
Debut Recording due in June featuring Michigan MT, Jesse
Nager (’03) alongside other castmates. The Broadway Boys, who infuse elements
of pop, gospel, funk and jazz into Broadway standards, will release their debut
recording in June. For more information visit www.psclassics.com.
Andrew
Keenan-Bolger cast in IT’S A BIRD…in Dallas~
Andrew Keenan-Bolger (’07) is featured in Young Cast in
Revised It's a Bird... in Dallas. Performances
run June 18-July 25. An official opening has been set for June 25 in the Dee
and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
It's a
Bird…It's a Plane…It's Superman - For tickets, phone (214)
880-0202 or visit DallasTheaterCenter.
The Dallas Theater Center is located at 2400 Flora Street, Dallas, TX.
Rob
Rokicki recognized, David Hull performs in the York Theatre’s NEO6~
Tony winner Richard Maltby and Drama Desk nominee Lynne
Wintersteller will co-host The York Theatre Company's NEO6, a benefit concert celebrating New, Emerging, Outstanding
musical theatre writers, May 10 at its home in Saint Peter's Theatre. The 7:30 PM concert will celebrate
songwriters primed to pen the next generation of musicals. Concertgoers can
expect to hear tunes written by Robert Rokicki (’01), Michigan MT grad, among
others. The new songs will be
performed many including Michigan MT (‘08) David Hull (Wicked national tour).
Liz Filios
& Brian Hissong join cast of SUNDAY IN THE PARK…~
Liz Filios (’05) and Brian Hissong (’04) join Philly's Arden
Theatre’s cast of Sunday in the Park
Revival. Opening night is June 2,
for information, visit www.ardentheatre.org.
Annie
Ramsey featured in Reprise’s HOW TO SUCCEED~
Annie Ramsey, Michigan MT grad, will join the cast of Reprise
Theatre Company's upcoming production of Frank Loesser's 1961 musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying. Running May 11-23rd
in Los Angeles. For tickets, phone
(310) 825-2101 or visit Reprise.org. The
Freud Playhouse at UCLA is located in Macgowan Hall.
David
Burtka featured singing Scott Alan Tunes at Birdland~
It's boys night at Birdland
April 12 when a host of Broadway's male performers join composer Scott Alan
during his one-night-only concert.
Presented by Jim Caruso's Cast Party, the evening of Alan's music is set
to feature David Burtka (Gypsy),
Michigan MT grad, among others.
Brian
Mulay joins the cast of CITY OF ANGELS~
Brian Mulay, Michigan MT grad, joins the cast of CITY OF
ANGELS. The Tony-winning musical City of Angels will make a New York City
return May 1 when Brooklyn's Gallery Players stages the film noir-tinged work
by Cy Coleman, David Zippel and Larry Gelbart. For tickets call (718) 595-0547
or visit galleryplayers.com. The Gallery Players is located in Park
Slope, Brooklyn, at 199 14th Street. Those in Manhattan can reach the theatre
by taking the F train to 4th Avenue or the R train to 9th Street.
Celia
Keenan-Bolger cast in CREATING CLAIRE~
Celia Keenan-Bolger (’00)
to Join Duncan in George Street's CREATING CLAIRE. GSP artistic director David
Saint will helm the world-premiere production, which will begin previews at the
New Brunswick venue May 11 with an official opening scheduled for May 14.
Performances will continue through June 6. George Street Playhouse is located
at 9 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ. For ticket information visit GSPonline.org.
Josh
Rhodes to choreograph Braodway Bares XX: Strip-opoly~
Josh Rhodes, Michiga MT, who was the assistant choreographer
for the award-winning The Drowsy
Chaperone, will direct Broadway Bares
XX: Strip-opoly, which will be held June 20 at the Roseland Ballroom. The
Roseland Ballroom is located in New York City at 239 West 52nd Street. Tickets
can be purchased online at www.BroadwayCares.org
or by calling (212) 840-0770 x 268.
Hunter
Foster announces Outer Critics Circle Award Nominees~
Brother and sister Broadway stars Hunter Foster and Tony
winner Sutton Foster will announce the nominees for the 60th annual Outer
Critics Circle Awards — which honor the best in Broadway and Off-Broadway
theatre — April 26 at 11 AM in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel on West 44th
Street.
LEND ME A
TENOR on Broadway~
LEND ME A TENOR opened on Broadway featuring Tony nominee
and Michigan MT graduate Jennifer Laura Thompson (Urinetown, Wicked) as Diana.
Produced by Michigan MT graduate Matthew Rego’s The Araca Group,
previews began March 12th.
For tickets phone (212) 239-6200, or visit Telecharge. The Music Box Theatre is
located at 239 West 45th Street.
NICK BLAEMIRE ('06): Work Celebrated in Free Arts and Artists Songbook Concert on March 29~
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| Nick Blaemire |
The Songbook series — presented by Arts and Artists at St. Paul's — continues March 29 in the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in Manhattan.
Hosted by John Znidarsic and produced by Erica Ruff, the free evening celebrates the work of composer Nick Blaemire. Show time is 6 PM.
Daniel Goldstein directs a cast that includes Molly Hager (Young Hearts Unlimited), David Hull (Calvin Berger, Wicked, A Chorus Line), Preston Sadleir (Give It Up, Mrs. Sharp) and Phoebe Strole (Spring Awakening). Jesse Vargas is musical director.
Nick Blaemire co-wrote the short-lived Broadway musical Glory Days. He is currently at work on a new original musical with bookwriter Paul Downs Colaizzo; entitled Finding Robert Hutchens, the musical was commissioned by Broadway Across America.
Mike
Kelton in HAIRSPRAY National Tour~
Mike Kelton (09) is doing The National
Tour of HAIRSPRAY playing BRAD and understudying CORNY COLLINS.
Etai
BenShlomo in WICKED, San Francisco~
Etai BenShlomo (09) is currently
playing the role of Boq in the San Francisco cast of WICKED.
Chelsea
Krombach in PROMISES, PROMISES on Broadway~
Chelsea Krombach (05) will be featured
in the upcoming Broadway cast of PROMISES, PROMISES, starring Sean Hayes and
Kristin Chenoweth. Previews begin Saturday, March 27th with
the official opening on April 25th.
Andrew Lippa , Music & Lyrics
for THE ADDAMS FAMILY~
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
begins previews on March 8th, opening officially on April 8th on Broadway.
Composer-lyricist Lippa previously told Playbill.com, "The score's very
character-based, and each of the characters sings in [his or her] own language.
Gomez is represented by Flamenco-style Spanish music; and Wednesday is
represented by a certain amount of contemporary pop music; and Uncle Fester is
old vaudevillian in our show, and he's sort of the host of our evening, so he
speaks in a vaudeville presentation style." The Lunt-Fontanne is at
205 W. 46th Street. For tickets, call (877) 250-2929 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Sam Davis scores THE SCOTTISH MUSICAL~
THE SCOTTISH MUSICAL, featuring music by Sam Davis and lyrics by Mark
Waldrop, will debut at the Penn State Festival on March 17th. " The
unmentionable title of arguably Shakespeare's greatest play, is the subject of
this 'Monty Pythonesque' tale as told by a cast of the greatest writers in
history." The reading can be attended by clicking the link for more
details: www.psunewmusicals.psu.edu
Gavin Creel performing at GLAAD~
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced that Gavin
Creel (Class of '99), along with fellow cast members from the Broadway hit Hair, will perform at the 21st Annual
GLAAD Media Awards, presented in New York March 13. The cast of Hair is receiving special recognition
from GLAAD for its participation in the National Equality March in Washington,
D.C. last October. The Tony Award-winning musical went dark for a day to
attend the event. Creel, who is the co-founder of the equal rights advocacy
group Broadway Impact, was a key organizer for the New York component of the
rally.
Erin Dilly featured in "Law &
Order: SVU" and "Criminal Intent"~
Erin Dilly will appear in an episode of
"Law & Order: SVU" titled "Savior" that airs March 3 at
10 PM (ET). She wll be seen opposite fellow guest star Mischa Barton,
according to the actress' website. The stage star will guest on
"Criminal Intent" in episode "Love on Ice," the fifth
episode of the season (which airs March 30th).
Bruce Kiesling named Conductor for LA
Phil's YOLA orchestra~
Bruce Kiesling (class of '95, '98) has recently moved to Los Angeles where he
has been named conductor of the LA Phil's YOLA orchestra training program. He
also serves as music director of the Tulare County Symphony in Visalia,
California. Having spent the last eight years as Resident Conductor of the
Greensboro Symphony, Bruce conducted concerts featuring Jodi Benson, Doug
LaBrecque, Kurt Carr, Liz Larsen, Susan Owen, Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Gary
Hoffman, Robert Auler, and Jennifer Check, among many others. Bruce's
other career is as an award winning composer for various film project where he
has just signed to compose music for his seventh feature film.
Margaret Nichols in WATERS OF THE MOON~
Margaret Nichols ('98) recently starred as Jean Barker in the world premiere of
SEEING STARS in NYMF (The New York Musical Theatre Festival). This month
she will be playing Evelyn Daly in a concert production of WATERS OF THE MOON,
directed by Victor Pappas, and staged by the off-Broadway company TACT, visit www.tactnyc.org
for info.
Whitney Allen received an Ovation
Nomination~
Whitney Allen ('95) received an Ovation nom for her work in the Los Angeles
cast of Forbidden Broadway. Also in Los Angeles, she recently appeared in
the World Premiere of the punk rock play GOD SAVE GERTRUDE and created the role
of Mrs. Boreman in LOVELACE, A ROCK OPERA by Anna Waronker and Charolette
Caffey (of the Go-Go's).
Laura Heisler just completed DORIS TO
DARLENE~
Laura Heisler ('97) recently guest starred on "Bones,"
"Numb3rs," "The Middle," and "Ugly Betty." She
made her Broadway debut in Coram Boy, and was recently in Doris to Darlene at
Playwrights Horizons.
Brian Mazzaferri on tour~
Brian Mazzaferri is touring the USA this fall with his band "I Fight
Dragons." For news and schedules, see: http://www.ifightdragons.com
Annie Ramsey in the recording
studio~
Annie Ramsey is currently recording the new animated series VIPO: THE
ADVENTURES OF THE FLYING DOG as the voice of "Betty the Toy Cat." The
series will be shown on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network). For more
information, see www.VIPOLAND.com
Etai Benshlomo cast in LITTLE MISS
SUNSHINE~
Etai was just cast in the Sundance Workshop of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, the new
musical by James Lapine and William Finn!!! It will be workshopped for two
weeks at the end of October in White Oak, Florida. He'll be playing the
role of Dwayne, the angst-ridden brother played by Paul Dano in the film.
Emily Bortoff '07 just completed BARNUM
production~
Emily
recently completed a production of BARNUM at the Asolo Theater and and the
Maltz Jupiter theater which was choreographed by fellow alum, Josh Rhodes
('93). She performed circus stunts as an ensemble member and also had a minor
speaking role.
Doug LaBrecque headlines with
renowned orchestras~
Here are a
few highlights from the 09-10 season:
Hong Kong Philharmonic
Utah
Symphony
Prague
Music Festival
Minnesota
Orchestra
NJ Symphony
Rochester
Philharmonic (Soloist/host Christmas Pops, directing and producing South
Pacific in Concert).
Christy Faber '02 featured in THE
MARVELOUS WONDERETTES~
The
Marvelous Wonderettes
"SUNDAY TODAY IN NY," 9/27/09
The cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes (Kirsten Bracken,
Misty Cotton, Christy Faber and Lindsay Mendez) sing for Pat Battle,
Erika Tarantal and Cindy Adams at WNBC studios at 30 Rock.
(You can view this clip at our online
press kit at http://marvelouswonderettes.com/nav/pressnewsbreak.html.)
“FANTASTIC! HAPPY! SPARKLING!
THEY ARE MARVELOUS!
TAKES YOU DOWN MEMORY LANE
IN FOUR-PART HARMONY!
Saddle shoes, great music with a sweet 50’s sound
and a sense of humor to go with it.
They will put a smile on your face!
WE JUST LOVE THEM!”
- WNBC-TV
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