Money makes the world go round (part 3)

Step 3

So here are three useful websites you have to check out and sign up for there newsletter/clubs/ e-mails list in order to get some money saving deals on theatre in your area or even for a trip to NYC.

http://www.theatermania.com/

Theatre Mania is a great site to join for there e-mail newsletter because they have information on up coming shows and discounts on both theatre in New York and in your local area. I signed up and I hear about discounts for shows in LA all the time (both big shows and small ones). The site also is full of great interviews from your favorite Broadway stars.

http://www.playbill.com

PlayBill.com is one of my favorite sites that I check daily. They mainly focus on New York Broadway crowd but they from time to time have info on national tours and local shows. If you sign up for there e-mails all the discounts you hear about are for NYC theatre, its a great place to check out if you are planning a trip out to NYC. Also check out there Internet radio station, it is great. I listen to it at work from time to time.

https://www.goldstar.com

I found out about this site recently found out about this site from a fellow theatre fan. This site sells discount tickets to many events, shows, etc. You have to sign up to be an member to get the discounts but it is free to sign up and the discounts are so worth it. The site will ask you fro your zip code and pull up all the shows in your area that they have discounts for. They have a great selection of local theatre, small shows, and even big Broadway shows.

That's all for now and please let me know if you have any saving tips for my next entry.

"Money makes the world go round" song from Cabaret

Walk Like A Man

Here is a fun performance of Walk Like A Man from the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys. The song is performed by John Lloyd Young and a group of Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth summer camp kids from a benefit that took place this past Tuesday, at L.A.'s La Boheme.

Click Here for More Youtube videos from the event.
"Walk Like A Man" from Jersey Boys

You'll See Boys

So I have been meaning to put up this video for a while now, but I was waiting for an article to be written to go with it (hint, hint). When that article is done I will post it here. Until then watch this video from when I went to see RENT in March. The video stars my niece Asia, a fellow renthead Samantha (who we met in line) and myself at the stage door meeting Anthony Rapp. (its a bit embarrassing but you would freak out if he was in front of you OK!)

"You'll See Boys "- Lyrics from You'll See from RENT

Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star

It's almost TONY AWARD TIME!

May 5th Lin-Manuel Miranda and Cynthia Nixon will announce the 2009 nominations from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The Tony Award ceremony will take place on June 7, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall, and it can be seen on CBS.

If you would like to attend the 2009 Tony Awards ceremony yourself, you can. There will be limited number of tickets on sale to the general public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, so you have to act fast. Go to http://www.tonyawards.com/ and they will provide a link and a phone number.

Once the nominations are out I will have an entry all about it!

"Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star " lyrics from song There's No Business Like Show Business from Annie Get You Gun

Wanted Dead or Alive

So, I am learning all about the new show Rock of Ages. I have not made a decision yet on whether or not I support the show or not, but I love the concept. The show is basically a showcases classic 80's rock music all well telling a love story. Through the jury is still out on this one, here is a video of Constantine Maroulis and Amy Spanger, the stars of the new Broadway musical on CBS talking about the show.

"Wanted Dead or Alive"- song from Rock of Ages

New York, New York

DVD of the Month for April is On The Town.

On The Town tells the tale of three sailors on a shore leave in NYC. It stars Gene Kelly as Gabey, Frank Sinatra as Chip, and Jules Munshin as Ozzie. As soon as they hit the town Gabey falls "Miss Turnstiles" after seeing her picture which leads the boys to search all over town for her. If you think the cast sounds good already check out the lovely leading ladies; Ann Miller who plays Claire, Vera-Ellen who plays Ivy Smith, Betty Garrett as Hildy Esterhazy, and Alice Pearce.

My two favorite scenes are: 1) the opening number New York, New York where the boys are running around town. They shot the majority of these scenes on the real streets of NYC. Because of the movie's high powered stars many girls show up and followed them everywhere trying to get a glimpse of there favorite star. For a clip click here. 2) I love the scene in the Taxi with Betty Garrett who tries to get Sinatra to come up to her place. Too funny For a clip click here.

This is a must watch for any musical lover, so check it out!

"New York, New York"- song from On The Town

Something's coming

It is Broadway Week on Regis and Kelly. Here is the line up:

• Monday- Mary Poppins
• Tuesday- Billy Ellot The Musical
• Wednesday- Rock of Ages
• Thursday- West Side Story
• Friday- Shrek The Musical

On their website you can also check out performances from past Broadway week's like Grease Grey Gardens, Curtains, Hairspray, Xanadu, and Company. "Something's coming"- Song from West Side Story

MUCH MORE

The Reprise Theatre Company has so many great shows on the way that I just had to tell you about them.

• Up first is The Fantasticks May 5th through the 17th. This timeless love story stars Eric McCormack, Lucas Grabeel, and Harry Groener.*
• Brian Stokes Mitchell Sings Broadway is an one night only show taking place on May 11th. If you haven't hear this Broadway legend sing live you are missing out. I saw him in last year's Les Miz and it was amazing.*
• Reprise will host Broadway Under the Stars at the Ford Amphitheatre on June 27th. (If you buy your tickets before June 20th you get $5 dollars off)
• NEXT Year's season will include Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel Jan 26th to February 7th, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum March 16th to the 28th, and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying May 11 to the 23rd. *

Shows marked with a * play at the Freud Playhouse at UCLA

"MUCH MORE" song from the Fantasticks

Chim Chim Cher-ee

WANT TO BUY TIX for Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre???? Don't tell anyone but here is the code for the Pre-sale: Use promotion code: KITE online by Clicking Here or call (213) 972-4400 and mention promotion code: KITE

Pre-sale only last until May 9th

"Chim Chim Cher-ee"- From Mary Poppins

So sue me, sue me, What can you do me? I love you

OMG, So they just announced the rest of the cast for Guys and Dolls in concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Here it is: Brian Stokes Mitchell (Sky Masterson), Jessica Biel (Sarah Brown) Scott Bakula (Nathan Detroit), Ellen Greene (Miss Adelaide) Ken Page (Nicely-Nicely), To be announced (Arvide Abernathy) Ruth Williamson (Gen. Mathilde Cartwright), Herschel Sparber (Big Jule), Jason Graae (Benny Southstreet), Bill Lewis (Harry the Horse) , Danny Stiles (Rusty Charlie), Amir Talai (Angie the Ox/Joey Biltmore) , Jody Ashworth (Lt. Brannigan), Cindy Benson (Agatha), Grace Wall (Martha)
Hot Box Girls: Sandahl Bergman, Valarie Pettiford, Jane Lanier, Kathryn Wright, Jillana Laufer, Tracy Powell
Male Dancers: Oskar Rodriguez, Stefan Raulson, Angelo Rivera, Christopher L. Morgan, Chris Holly, John Todd
Ensemble: David Raimo, Paul Dean, Daniel Guzman, John Christoff, Kyrra Richards, Nikki Tomlinson, Catherine Chiarelli
Creative Team: Richard Jay-Alexander, Director, Kevin Stites, Musical Director, Donna McKechnie, Choreographer, Margery Simkin and Michael Donovan, Casting Directors , Evan Bartoletti and Lisa Lechuga, Set Designers, Tom Ruzika, Lighting Designer, Tommy Marquez, Costume, Designer, Michael Moore, Wig & Hair Designer , Valerie Jackson, Hair & Makeup Designer, Kirk Graves, Props Coordinator , James Kinney, Associate Choreographer, Marciann Shapiro, Assistant Costume Designer
"So sue me, sue me, What can you do me? I love you"- Lyrics from Sue Me from Guys and Dolls

Being Alive

There is not big reason why I wanted to post this video other than that I love it! When Raul Esparza sings these beautiful lyrics written by Stephen Sondeim, my heart melts and I connect so well with the emotion of the piece. Enjoy!

"Being Alive"-song from musical Company

I got chills, they're multiplyin'

So a BRAND NEW EXTENDED trailer just came out for GLEE and it looks soooo GOOD! A sneak preview of GLEE will be on FOX after the season finale of American Idol on May 19th at 9PM and the show will be back in the Fall of 2009.

"I got chills, they're multiplyin'" Lyrics from Your the One That I Want from Grease

96,000...

JUST IN!!! In The Heights is hitting the road! That's right a national tour for the 2008 Tony Award winning best musical will be make it's first stop at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts in Florida in October of 2009. The show will make it's way to the West Coast with two stops in So Cal. In July 2010 at the San Diego Civic Theatre and in August 2010 Orange County Performing Arts Center. I wish it was 2010 already!

"96,000..."-song from In The Heights

I dreamed a dream in time gone by

So by now you must have heard of Susan Boyle and her amazing voice. Here is a clip of her on CBS's The Early Show where she talks to Patti Lupone who originated the role of Fantine and 1st sang I Dream A Dream. So you got to watch this clip. I don't think that Boyle was that impressed or maybe she was too shocked to show any emotion.
"I dreamed a dream in time gone by"- Lyrics from I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables

Nobody's on Nobody's

Watch out for Chess in Concert, a two-night, star-studded event that took place at London's Royal Albert Hall last May 12&13. A taping of the show will be aired on PBS stations across the country in 2009.

The cast includes:Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, Tony nominee Adam Pascal, Josh Groban, Kerry Ellis, David Bedella, Clarke Peters, Marti Pellow, Grant Anthony, Christopher Colley, Tiffany Graves, Leila Benn Harris, David Michael Johnson, Debbie Kurup, Aoife Mulholland and Tabitha Webb.

"Nobody's on Nobody's" song from Chess In Concert

Why are there so many songs about rainbows

So I just hear about this awesome show that is going to be put on this Saturday April 18th! It's called "Puppet Up! - Uncensored" and it is put on by the Jim Henson Company. The company has been putting on this show for the past fifty years to honor the irreverence, and creativity of its staff. It is not the average theatre show but it sounds like a great night of laughter, and its done by the real deal people (JIM HENSON STAFF).

If you can make it please, please, please tell me all about it. I can not make the April show but they are supposed to have another show on May 22, which I hope to make. Check Here for more details from the Jim Henson Website.

ALSO***If you are interested in attending Saturdays performance the get your tickets on GoldStar.com because they have tickets on discount for only $15 instead of $30. Click here for the page.

"Why are there so many songs about rainbows"- lyrics from Rainbow Connection from the Muppet Movie

I'll help you be popular!

Kristen Chenoweth has a new book out called "A LITTLE BIT WICKED". The book hit stores this past Tuesday and if you are a Fan of Kristen it is a must buy. The book is about her journey up until now and is full of wit, wisdom, and inspiration. She has been all over doing press for the book release, Jay Leno 4/15, Good Morning America 4/15, and tomorrow she will be on the View. On April 25 she will be in LA promoting her book. Here is where you can find her: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: 12:00pm at UCLA BookZone, 1:00pm at Book Soup, and 2:00pm at Vroman’s. Check it out!

"I'll help you be popular! " Lyrics from song Popular from Wicked.

I like to be in America!

In case you missed it last night here is the Broadway Revival Cast of West Side Story, performing America on Dancing With the Stars.

"I like to be in America! "- Lyrics from song American from West Side Story.

Any Dream Will Do

So, a friend of mine told me about this awesome show on BBC America called Any Dream Will Do. The show is searching for a new star to take on the lead role in the West End's Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoast. It is hosted by Graham Norton and features Andrew Lloyd Webber as the head judge. Also at the Judges table is John Barrowman, Denise Van Outen, Bill Kenwright, and Zoe Tyler.

Thousands of boys made the callbacks but only 50 made it to the Joseph School. Then only 12 boys will "graduate"from Joseph School and then Viewers will decide the winner. Here is a video clip:

Check it out on BBC American this Sunday April 12th. The show premiered on March 28th, so we are a couple of episodes in. This show has been pre-tapped for the UK a winner has already been selected in 2007.

"Any Dream Will Do"- song from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It's beginning to snow

Here is a RENT treat.
"It's beginning to snow" Lyrics from Christmas Bells from RENT.

Baby, Remeber My Name

Check out the trailer to the remake of Fame. It is coming to theatres this Fall.
"Baby, Remeber My Name" Lyrics from title track from Fame

Defying gravity!

So, If you live in LA and got some cash to spend (maybe a tax return?) then check out Upright Caberet's up coming shows! For instance their Wicked Summer Nights at the Ford Amphitheatre See flyer below for details:

Or check out their website for more upcoming events (click here) If you don't know what Upright Cabaret is, then you are in for a treat. Upright was created by Shane Scheel and Chris Issacson four years ago with the goal of showcasing broadway talent to the LA area. They produce shows mainly in Southern CA (Los Angeles, Mark's & Palm Springs, The Ace) but also produce shows in New York at Joe's Pub now. Their event's can be a bit pricey if you are on a budget but the extra cash is well worth it!!! I went to Lea Michele's West Coast debut this past August with Upright at Mark's and it was amazing! Also let me note that there is no bad seat in that place it is soo small. Click here for video from that show. "Defying gravity!"-song from Wicked

"I Don't Do Sadness"

So have been terribly sick this past week and that is why I haven't been keeping my blog updated (sorry). But I do have some Spring Awakening news to share.

First, Spring Awakening has just officially opened on the West End (London). CLICK HERE for a video where you can see how different they sound, look, and bring to life the piece (picture of west end cast).

Second, in a recent interview done by Charlie Salem from Broadwayworld.com Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater confirmed that they are in the process of adapting the musical into a movie! So Spring Awakening Fans pray that they get this ball rolling ASAP, so some original cast members can be apart of the cast before they get too old! (see picture above hint, hint)

Lastly here is a new video from Totally Trucked the national tour of Spring Awakening!

"I Don't Do Sadness"- Song from Spring Awakening