Tengo de mango, Tengo de parcha, De pina y de fresa

This video made me really exiceted to go to NYC:) Now if only Lin-Manuel Miranda could let me interview him.

"Tengo de mango, Tengo de parcha, De pina y de fresa"-lyrics from Piragura Guy from In The Heights

Love Never Dies

Video of Sierra Boggess who plays the role of Christine in Love Never Dies, performs the title song from the production on "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. Andrew Lloyd Webber was also guest on show to promote Love Never Dies, which is currently in preview at London's Adelphi Theatre. You can see him seated at the pino along side Boggess.

"Love Never Dies"-from show by same title

Tuesday and Thursday

Last night attended Jeremy Schonfeld’s Upright Cabaret west coast debut @ The Vermont Restaurant in LA. Joining Jeremy onstage was special guests Christian Campbell, Julie Garnye, America Olivo, Adam Pascal, and Tracie Thoms.

Let me just start by say what a great job Upright Cabaret does in setting up such lovely performances at great venues. The best part about it is that you are up close and personal with these artists, which makes the performances ten times better. This has been my second upright show and each time has been so wonderful. You must attend an upright show !

I had heard of Schonfeld’s work before and had seen some youtube videos from NY performances but let me tell you that you must see this man in person. He delivers each note with such passion and vibrancy. I could not stop myself from tapping my toes, rocking my head, and even singing along to the music. Schonfeld performed a variety of his material including songs from his musical Drift. My favorite song for that piece was State of the Heart which was sung by the talent & lovely couple Christian Campbell and America Olivo. The song is about a couple explaining to their child that they are getting divorce. Sounds depressing I know, but the song is soo touching and beautiful that you just have to push back the tears. My second favorite song from Drift was Cornerstone sung by the Broadway Rockstar Adam Pascal who blew the roof off. Every time I hear Pascal sing live I swear I get chills, that man can rock the hell out of anything. Tracie Thoms sung a piece that Schonfeld wrote for her called Falling Apart. Schonfeld said it best the song was her for and only she can sing it so well. It was my first time seeing her live and what beauty and power in her voice. Another song I absolutely loved was Greta performed by the vocal powerhouse also known as Julie Garnye. The best song that Schonfeld sang solo in my opinion was the opening number The Fuck Up Song from the film“Clear Blue Tuesday”. The lyrics in that song rock and flow together so well. Last but not least I must say that Schonfeld’s new material sounded great and I cannot wait to hear more!

Overall what a great night of rocking music! My only request is that someone please see the talent in Schonfeld’s art and put this man’s work on Broadway stage. I think now is the time that songs like his can really capture the American theatre goers, who are more accepting of deeper pieces rather than just the glitz and glamour musicals. Look at the hit Broadway show Next to Normal for example, a Tony award winning musical which looks behind closed doors into a family with a bipolar parent dealing with grieving a loss, drug abuse, and suburban life. Theatre goes want more than just the song and dance man they want to be moved, they want to see themselves in characters, and they want something they can relate too. I think Schonfeld’s on to something here and can really tap into this change in theatre goers. I cannot wait to see his next work of art. Side Note: Adam Pascal, Traci Thoms and Jeremy Scholnfeld could not have been nicer and even took the time to speak to my niece and I award the show.

For more info on Jeremy Scholnfeld click here!

“Tuesday and Thursday”-song from Dift by Jeremy Scholnfeld

State of the Heart

Here are a few pictures from Jeremy Schonfeld's official west coast debut with Upright Cabaret!!!

COME BACK FOR... The Full Report and more photos tomorrow.

"State of the Heart"-song from Drift by Jeremy Schonfeld

Something's Coming

DVD of the Month: West Side Story!!!
West Side Story 1961 musical film of based on the stage musical by the same name. It stared Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer as Tony, Rita Moreno as Anita, George Chakiris as Bernardo, and Russ Tamblyn as Riff. It won 10 Academy Awards out of the 11 nominations it had. The book of the musical written by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The inspiration for the story was William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The story takes place in New York City in the 50s focusing in on the gang rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks. These two gangs come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and fail to see their similarities. The Sharks are first-generation Americans from Puerto Rico. The Jets are Caucasians who consider themselves the true Americans. Caught in between this battle are Tony and Maria. Tony is a Jets who falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo who is the leader of the Sharks.

West Side story transformed American Theatre both on stage and on screen by tackling a dark theme focus on social problems present in modern day society all while creating a classic piece of cinematography . The film was prominently filmed in Los Angeles with set design by Boris Leven. The film does open with a sequence that was show in the streets of New York City. Famed director Robert Wise partnered with stage director Jerome Robbins to direct the film. Robbins directed the music and dance numbers while Wise took over the rest of the shots. The two clashed and Robbins was kicked off the project before it was finished. The two did however did give each other credit as co-directors of the piece.

Aside from the beauty of the film is the popularity that grew from score and dance numbers. With songs like "Something's Coming", "Maria", "America", "Somewhere", "Tonight", "Jet Song", "I Feel Pretty", and "Cool". It was only a matter of time before these famous numbers were re-done and become part of pop culture. They have been featured in Gap Ad’s, VMA commercials, TV-Flight of the Conchords, Film-Anger Management to name a few. Another fact about the film is that not all the stars did their own work. Beymer, Wood and Moreno tried to do their own singing, but their voices were overdubbed by Jimmy Bryant , Marni Nixon and Betty Wand. Also Rita Moreno's dancing was done by Rita Tanno in order to look sharper. Tanno played the role of Anita in the other production of the play.

This film is a must see for not only musical lovers but for anyone who loves cinema. I can watch this film over and over again. If you have cable then you are in luck. TCM will show West Side Story this Tuesday at 8pm EST, 5PST.
A rival of West Side story is currently running on Broadway and a national tour will start soon. For more info on the stage show click here.

Also check out a great documentry called West Side Menories. Ovation TV shows the doc quite often.
"Something's Coming"-song from Westside Story

I'm sending you a contract Ker-ching ker-ching

IT'S OFFICIAL NPH WILL DIRECT RENT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL!!!
That's right! Neil Patrick Harris who played Mark in the national tour of RENT will direct the upcoming production of RENT at the Hollywood Bowl!!! RENT is set to run from August 6 to 8, 2010. NPH currently stars on amazing hit CBS show 'How I Met Your Mother'. Since the announcement came out today he has taken to Twitter to ask people's opinions on who should be part of the cast. PLEASE CAST THE ORIGINAL CAST!!! More updates to come!
"I'm sending you a contract Ker-ching ker-ching"-lyrics from Voice Mail 3 from RENT

As We Stumble Along

GEOFFREY RUSH STARING IN THE DROWSY CHAPERONE??? WHAT?
So I did not believe it until I saw the pictures. But its true, at the Melbourne Theatre Company has had a production of The Drowsy Chaperone starting Geoffrey Rush as the man in the chair. The run started at the end of January and will end on the 27th of February. The show also features: Heidi Arena, Shane Jacobson, Robyn Nevin, Richard Piper, Grant Piro. With Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison, and Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar, The Drowsy Chaperone won two Tonys in 2006: Best Score & Best Book.

I saw the pre-Broadway run at the Ahmanson Theatre back in 2005 and LOVED IT. It is such a fun musical with such a cool concept for a storyline. The man in the chair reminds me of myself and how into theatre I get sometimes.

The tour will be stopping by in SO CAL at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts this March. It is a must see for any musical lover! Click Here for more Details. * no Geoffrey Rush in this production

By Request here is a look into the show from the Tony Awards. The amazing Sutton Foster Performs "Show Off" (when I saw her in this role she had a broken wrist and did one handed handstand):

"As We Stumble Along"song from The Drowsy Chaperone

No Good Deed

One of my personal favorite's Mandy Gonzalez, will be joining the Broadway production of the hit musical Wicked . She will play the Green- witch Elphaba, currently running at the Gershwin Theatre in NYC. She is best known for creating the role of Nina in In the Heights. Gonzalez will start her run on March 23. I am so excited for her!!!

"No Good Deed"-song from Wicked

Forget about the Boy

Just Because.....

"Forget about the Boy"-song from Thoroughly Modern Millie

I love To spell I like it a lot!

On Saturday Night I attended the La Mirada Performing Art's 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee and Love IT. What feel good comedy to brighten up any one's day. The show centers around a group of kids that are competing in a spelling bee. The kids all are dealing all sorts of problems from the awkwardness of adolescences, to parental issues, to accepting failure. The cool thing about the show is that it is interactive. They bring up four audience members to make up the rest of the spelling bee competitors. At first I was worried that the audience were going to be part of the show but each person that was selected did such a great job of working with the actors that it worked.

The cast was great and played off each other so well. Laura Griffith played Rona Lisa Peretti a former spelling bee champ who has come back to help co-host the event. Chip Tolentino is a boy scott who won the bee the previous year was played by the very funny Tom Zohar. Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (played by the brilliant Cassie Silva) is a young girl who has no problem being different has two very supportive gay dads. Brett Ryback played Leaf Coneybear who is a home school kid who is just weird. Leaf was my favorite character and made the audience fall in love with him. Daniel Tatar played William Barfee, the kid allergic to everything but who had a magic spelling foot. Marcy Park (played by Lana Mckissack) is the girl who can do everything, but is still wants more. Olive Ostrovsky (played by Shanon Mari Mills) is a young girl obsessed with the dictionary. The great Jason Graae played Vice Principal Douglas Panch who had the best one liners in the play. Lastly Melvin Abston played Mitch Mahoney a man doing his community service at the Bee (but with a heart of gold).

The only regret I have about the show is that I did not see it sooner to recommend to you. The show ended this past weekend but if there is another production of this show in a town near you it is a must see!!!

"I love To spell I like it a lot!"- Lyrics from I'm Not That Smart-song from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

When a Dream Comes True

BROADWAY LA HAS JUST ANNOUCED ITS 2010-2011 SEASON FOR THE PANTAGES THEATRE!!!

Let me just say it is AMAZING! I want to see everyone of these shows!!! Season tickets are on sale but no single tickets on sale yet. Click on the show name to go to it's page on the BroadwayLA.com website for more info!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: September 23rd-November 27th 2010

WEST SIDE STORY: November 30th -December 19th 2010

HAIR: January 5th-16th 2011

TRACES: January 11th -February 20th 2011(dates according to website not sure if they are correct)

SPRING AWAKENING: February 1-6th 2011

ROCK OF AGES: February 15th -27th 2011
TBA: Show to be annouced soon but run dates March 9th-20th

RAIN: April 12-17th 2011
BURN THE FLOOR: April 26th - May 8th 2011
SHREK THE MUSICAL: July 12- August 7th 2011

"When a Dream Comes True"-song from Shrek The Musical

Dreamgirls

Want to win "A Dream Day & Night"?
Prize includes VIP tickets to the opening night of Dreamgirls at the Ahmanson! Enter the Catch the Dream singing contest. You sign up send in your video and then tell all you friends to VOTE!!!

The Deadline is THIS MONDAY @ Midnight (22nd).

Clicking Here for more details, rules, and more.
"Dreamgirls"-song from self titled show

He's Not Here

Normal Life with Kyle Dean is a video blog for Broadway.com. Kyle takes you behind the scenes of Next to Normal. Its a fun in side look at the cast and crew. There are currently 7 episodes. Here are the 1st three!

"He's Not Here"-song from Next to Normal

We starve-look At one another

New Cast of Hair

"We starve-look At one another "lyrics from The Flesh Failures / Let the Sun Shine in from Hair

I was writing several letters ...

CHECK OUT A NEW MUSICAL WORKSHOP FOR ONLY $20.

A workshop of the new show: Post Office. It features all new music from Michael Friedman and aims to "celebrates the power of community and collaboration in a world of largely digital relationships". Run Dates start TODAY 17th, 18th, 20th & 21st (8pm). Click Here for More Details.

"I was Writing several letters..."lyrics from Post Offices

The Music of the Night

JUST IN THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA US TOUR WILL END AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE!!!

According the US Tour Website the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will end it's US Tour in So Cal. It was just last winter (09) that the Phantom flew into town for a short engagement. I missed it the last time so I can not wait to make sure I see it! Broadway LA has not confirmed this announcement yet but should shortly. Tickets should go on sale as early as April.

"The Music of the Night"-song from Phantom of the Opera

Manchester England England

A BIG WELCOME TO THE NEW BROADWAY CAST OF HAIR!

In a press conference today it was announced that the New Cast of the revival of Hair will start March 9th. The new cast will feature: "American Idol" famed Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray) will play Sheila, and Ace Young (Grease) as Berger. Other members of the tribe include: Annaleigh Ashford (Wicked, Legally Blonde) as Jeanie, Jeannette Bayardelle (The Color Purple) as Dionne, Vanessa Ray as Crissy, Kyle Riabko (Spring Awakening) as Claude, Wallace Smith as Hud and Jason Wooten as Woof.

The New London production, which will feature Will Swenson and Gavin Creel as well as others from the current Broadway cast, will start on the West End in April 2010.

"Manchester England England"-song from Hair

Hello, Goodbye

Your 1st look at all new GLEE!
(you can see Jonathan Groff AHHHHH)

"Hello, Goodbye"-song peformed on GLEE

Everybody's got a job; Everybody's got a dream

Want to be in a Broadway Bound Musical?
There here is your chance this Wednesday, February 24 from 10 AM-6 PM at Screenland Studios, 10501 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 you can audition for BRING IT ON (the musical). According to an Equity casting notice the new musical is set to make its world premiere at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre as early as 2011.

The creative team behind them project includes: Andy Blankenbuehler set to director and choreograph the musical. Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda as composers of the score with book and lyrics by Jeff Whitty and Amanda Green.

For the Equity Principle Auditions, all actors are to prepare with a short pop/rock or R&B song, picture and resume.Visit http://www.actorsequity.org/ for more information.

"Everybody's got a job; Everybody's got a dream"- self title song from In The Heights

Weekend In The Country

What would you want to see on Broadway this Spring?
The Addams Family?

Or A Little Night Music? Or Sondheim on Sondheim?

Or American Idiot?

Or Promises, Promise?

or the New Cast of Hair (new cast will be announced on Tomorrow since the current cast is headed to London)? VOTE TO YOUR RIGHT

"A Weekend In The Country"-song from A Little Night Music

Have you heard of this "Broadway?"

IM GOING TO NYC!!! Bought my tickets and headed to the Great White Way this Spring!!! As a little 1 year anniversary of the BLOG I have save up some money to head to NYC to bring back a first hand account of some new shows opening this Spring!!! For sure I will be seeing Promises Promises, and American Idiot. I am finishing up planning my trip, so I will let you know what other shows I will caught while in town. I will make sure I bring back tons of news, reviews, and photos from Broadway! Any suggestions of shows or places to go?

"Have you heard of this "Broadway?"-lyrics from You Won't Succeed On Broadway from Spamalot

Proud Mary

GLEE UPDATE!!! ELLE Magazine will feature cast members GLEE! Here is a peek behind the scenes of the fashion shoot!

Below are photos of the cast from the set of GLEE!!!

"Proud Mary"-song performed on GLEE

Donna

Side by Side by Susan Blackwell: Episode 3: Will Swenson, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Andrea Martin (susan will you interveiw me?)

"Donna"-song from Hair

One Night Only

Upcoming Standby lines for CTG! Subject Was Roses at the Mark Taper Forum will take place on Sunday Feb 21st at 7pm. The line forms to the right of the theatre. The play features "Martin Sheen returns to the play that earned him a Tony Award nomination in 1964; now as the patriarch of a family forced to confront its own privatized emotions and buried truths. Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) and Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker) complete the family triangle struggling to reconnect after years of emotional distance and rediscover the beauty in the simple gift of roses."

Dreamgirls will be on Tuesday, March 2nd at 8pm at the Ahmanson Theatre. The line forms to the left of the theatre, and people will probably get there pretty early for that one, becuase it's gonna be a popular show I would suggest to get there at least 2 hours early. The show is "Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS tells the rags-to-riches story of an up and coming, 1960s girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune."

General Guide to doing Standby Line at CTG:

-Show up at least 2 hours prior to the start of the show.

-Tickets become available due to cancellations and no-shows (FOR FREE).

-Seating is not guaranteed, but chances are very good. (I have done the line a few times and had great seats each time).

- Do not forget to dress up it is opening night after all!!!

More Info:http://www.centertheatregroup.org/.

"One Night Only"-song from Dreamgirls

Story of My Life

A while back I reported that JOHN TARTAGLIA’S IMAGINOCEAN was taking to the sea with a run on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Liner but the show has found a new home on shore.

The new family musical will play at the New World Stages (NYC) with performances beginning on March 17th, with an opening night March 31st. "John Tartaglia’s IMAGINOCEAN follows the undersea adventures of a group of fish friends, who uncover a treasure map that leads them to learn about themselves and ultimately uncover the treasure of each other’s friendship. Produced by Jellyfish Jive Productions, John Tartaglia, Philip Katz of Broadway Theatrical and veteran musical theatre performer Michael Shawn Lewis have teamed up to bring this innovative black light musical production to the stage. " -Press release for John Tartaglia's IMAGINOCEAN

John Tartaglia, severs as the mastermind behind the project. Taraglia is the creator, executive producer and star of the Emmy Award nominated Johnny and the Sprites. Most of us theatre goers know Taraglia from his Tony Award nominated for his performance in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Avenue Q, for which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod. He also just finished a run on Broadway appearing as Pinocchio in Shrek The Musical. A little know fact that Taraglia is a 10-year veteran of Sesame Street, joining the show when he was only 16.

Other Creative Team behind the Project: The piece is directed and choreographed by famed Donna Drake. With an original score with music and lyrics by composer William Wade. These characters that light up the stage through the creations designed and built by The Puppet Kitchen in New York City, and set designer Robert Kovach.

Performances scheduled is: Wednesdays at 11am , 2pm, & 7pm/ Saturdays at 11am/ Sundays at 12pm.

For more information about John Tartaglia’s IMAGINOCEAN, please visit the official show website www.imaginoceanthemusical.com.

"Story of My Life"-song from Sherk the Musical

I'm Lookin' For Something

Dreamgirls will play at the Ahmanson Theatre starting February 25th through April 4th 2010!!!
Want to get tickets for $20 off? You can just enter the *Code Word DREAMS $20 OFF *
(Reg. $40 - $85)
*Select Seats to ALL PERFORMANCES Feb 25 - Mar 14! Conditions: Select seats include Rear Orchestra, Rear Mezzanine and Balcony locations for performances February 25 - March 14, 2010. Subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Cannot be combined with other offers. Minimum ticket price $20. Please be sure to select the lowest price when purchasing your ticket.

"I'm Lookin' For Something"-song from Dreamgirls

Today 4 U

UPRIGHT CABARET FEBRUARY!

Spotlight on Show: Feb 26th & 27th: "Singer-Songwriter and musical theater composer Jeremy Schonfeld will be bringing his heralded theater-rock fusion to the Upright Cabaret for Los Angeles concert debut. Schonfeld’s singular blend of tuneful pop, hard-edged rock, gospel, soul and blues has drawn him comparisons in the New York Times to Billy Joel and Jonathan Larson, and has made him one of today’s most sought after composing talents.Joining Schonfeld will be special guests Adam Pascal, Tracie Thoms, and others to be announced."

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS Note that Advance tickets are $20 but there is a there is a $20 food and beverage minimum per person. There is no minimum for bar seating and standing room.

"Today 4 U"-song from RENT

If I win the lottery

In The Heights Corbin Bleu video now out. Check it out and let me know what you think about his performance (as well as the other new cast members).

"If I win the lottery"-lyrics from 96,000 from In The Heights

Wanted Dead or Alive

AMAZING: Check out 6-Bee from Jimmy Fallon

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

Big Man In Town

CALLING ALL JERSEY BOYS FANS: New Doc on Des McAnuff!!!

If you asked me what my favorite Broadway musical is I would say JERSEY BOYS! This weekend on Bravo! Canada they will debut a new documentary on Des McAnuff director of Jersey Boys . The Doc will follow Des’ musical upbringing in Canada and his road to New York. He is known for bringing Tommy, Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, and Old Man River to the stage. He has now returned to his home country to be the Artistic Director at Stratford, one of Canada’s most prestigious theatres. This is definalty a man who I would love to meet. The doc features interviews with Pete Townshend, Billy Crystal, Christopher Plummer and many more. The film runs on Bravo! Canada on Feb. 7 at 8 pm ET and repeats on Feb. 12 at 7 pm ET. I am sad that I don't live in Canada because I would love to see the Doc. For us in the USA here is a sneak peak.

"Big Man In Town"-song from Jersey Boys

Remember the love!

Bond Farewell to the Broadway Touring cast of RENT ending this SUNDAY.
I saw the show twice in 2009 during its run with original cast members Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal and Gwen Stewart. Thank you for an amazing run that help RENT leaving Broadway a little bit easier to accept. People in the Los Angeles Area at least we have the run at the Hollywood Bowl to look forward to in order to get of RENT fix.



SIDE NOTE: Today would have been Jonathan Larson's 50th Birthday. Thank you Jonathan for leaving us with such an amazing piece of your art. You truly have changed my life.

"Remember the love!"-lyric from Season of Love from RENT

Without Love

Craving to see Hairspray live on stage? Hairspray will run at the Orange County Performing Arts Center starting 4/6th to 4/11th. To get your tickets before they go on sales to the public use promo code TRACY for your seats to HAIRSPRAY. To buy tickets or for more info CLICK HERE.
"Without Love"-song from Hairspray

working on updates stay tuned!

Mr. Cellophane

Do You Need A GLEE Fix?
Check out the lovely cast photos by Dianna Agron. Enjoy.

"Mr. Cellophane"-song from Chicago