New York Festival of Song (NYFOS) is not typically known for concerts involving rainbow colored colonial wigs, pink patent leather pumps, and animal masks, but its founders, Michael Barrett and Steven Blier took a walk on the wilder side last Wednesday night at the hip Brooklyn venue, National Sawdust. [Read more…] about Sky Pony Rocks Brooklyn as Part of NYFOS Next Series
Migguel Anggelo Explores Dual Emotions in His Latest Joe’s Pub Show
“Shy” is not an adjective one would use to describe Migguel Anggelo. The Brooklyn based singer, songwriter, dancer, and performer is an animated, fireball of positive charm whose sincere concern for the world and love of music is expressed through nearly every word he speaks. His vibe is so infectious that he’s attracted the attention of famous celebrities, as well as Tony winning costume designer, Clint Ramos. Ramos saw one of Anggelo’s shows years ago and insisted on creating lavish pieces for him. [Read more…] about Migguel Anggelo Explores Dual Emotions in His Latest Joe’s Pub Show
Theater Review: Darko Tresnjak’s “Anastasia” is One to Remember
Adaptations of films into musical stage versions continue to be the usual trend for contemporary theatre these days. In many cases, I’m left questioning the necessity. (This season’s Groundhog Day instantly comes to mind.) Other movies however, naturally lend themselves to song and dance. Such is the case with Anastasia, the splashy, big-hearted old fashioned musical which recently opened on Broadway. While Terrence McNally’s book doesn’t adhere religiously to the the 1997 animated film or to the original 1956 film, program notes state that it was “inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures.” These sources have served the creative team quite well. [Read more…] about Theater Review: Darko Tresnjak’s “Anastasia” is One to Remember
Theater Review: John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation” Packs a Punch
John Guare’s 1990 play, Six Degrees of Separation, which originally premiered Off-Broadway before a Broadway transfer, has returned to Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre in spectacular form under the direction of Trip Cullman. [Read more…] about Theater Review: John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation” Packs a Punch
New York Pops Orchestra Winds Down 34th Season with Broadway Star Power
The New York Pops ended their 34th season in the Isaac Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall with two concerts, both of which were packed with gusto and glee. On Friday April 21st, music director and conductor Steven Reineke led the orchestra in night entitled, You’ve Got a Friend: A Celebration of Singers and Songwriters. The program was a virtual jukebox of popular American songs that have become a ubiquitous part of our culture. [Read more…] about New York Pops Orchestra Winds Down 34th Season with Broadway Star Power
“House of Cards” Star Kevin Spacey to Play Limited New York Theater Engagement
“The best that we can do is to be kindly and helpful toward our friends and fellow passengers who are clinging to the same speck of dirt while we are drifting side by side to our common doom.” That ironic-and timely-tidbit of inspiration was attributed to Clarence Darrow, the famous United States Lawyer who tackled hopeless cases, opposed the death penalty, and was an ally to labor unions. [Read more…] about “House of Cards” Star Kevin Spacey to Play Limited New York Theater Engagement
New York Festival of Song’s Celebration of Sondheim
Legendary composer Stephen Sondheim was by no means alone earlier last month at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Artistic Director Steven Blier and associate director Michael Barrett led an impressive cast in front of a sold out audience for the New York Festival of Song’s annual benefit. 2017 marks the 29th season for the popular and critically acclaimed concert series.
[Read more…] about New York Festival of Song’s Celebration of Sondheim
Tony! Tony! Tony! An Interview with “Amelie” Star Tony Sheldon
Tony Sheldon is such a good actor that he’s able to convince people of his shyness. The self-described “homebody” received a Tony nomination in 2011 for his role as Bernadette, an aging, former star with whip-smart sass who rides a “budget Barbie camper” cross country in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. He was with the show for over 5 years in various countries and played 1,200 performances. Now, he’s traded his Revlon for a Renoir in the new Broadway musical, Amelie where he portrays two characters: Dufayel, a neighbor of the leading lady who suffers from brittle bone disease (which Sheldon extensively researched). Dufayel is also obsessed with re-visiting and re-painting Renoir’s “Luncheon at the Boating Party” and encourages Amelie to step out of her comfort zone to find love. Amelie, a young Parisian (played by Hamilton’s Phillipa Soo), is painfully timid and conjures a great deal of imagery in her mind’s eye. Sheldon also plays Collignon, a rather cantankerous grocer. [Read more…] about Tony! Tony! Tony! An Interview with “Amelie” Star Tony Sheldon
Gala Tribute For Frank Sinatra Will Bring Sparkle to New Jersey
There may be a few restaurants in this town called “Patsy’s”, but only one of them was good enough for ‘Ole Blue Eyes. That one was-and still is—situated in midtown on West 56th street between 8th avenue and Broadway. Since 1944, The Scognamillo family has taken great pride in serving fine quality Neapolitan cuisine to celebrities, politicians, loyal customers, and tourists alike. [Read more…] about Gala Tribute For Frank Sinatra Will Bring Sparkle to New Jersey
“Groundhog Day: The Musical” is a Squirrely Hodgepodge of Humor
There will be a lot of repatishin. There will be a lot of repetichion. There will be a lot of repetition. Eventually, Phil Connors (Andy Karl) will get it right, but it’s gonna him take a couple of hours and quite a bit of patience from audiences until he finally does. Connors is the bitter, cynical weatherman for a medium-market news channel in Danny Rubin’s adaptation of the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day. [Read more…] about “Groundhog Day: The Musical” is a Squirrely Hodgepodge of Humor