Tag: Broadway

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‘Pausing On A Sunday’ With Billy Porter

Thee Billy Porter (photo: John Ganun)
On his acclaimed live concert album, At The Corner Of Broadway And Soul, Billy Porter serves up this soulful gospel take on the Stephen Sondheim classic, “Sunday.” The 2006 album is a collection of 16 Broadway, Gospel and original R&B songs that were performed live in 2004 at Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theater. It is a soulful and empowering compilation of some of Billy’s favorite songs and composers who inspired him from the time he was young to become the success he is today. It teaches you about taking chances and not taking “no” for an answer and more importantly lifts you up through his interpretation of the music. Some of the songs on the album include “Heaven” by Rick Ian Gordon, “Why I Sing,” by Kirk Franklin, “Let it Sing,” by Janine Tesori, “Awaiting You,” by Adam Guettel, “King of the World,” by Jason Robert Brown, “Sunday” and “Last Midnight” by Steven Sondheim, and a six original tracks written by Billy himself. Back then, Billy seemed to be a bridge between Broadway and Soul. He wanted to produce an album that allowed him to express himself fully in both worlds so this CD is divided into two parts each devoted to a single genre. “Pausing on a Sunday…”

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New Music: Ty Taylor & Matt Zarley Reimagine ‘Close Every Door’ From JOSEPH…

L-R Ty Taylor, Matt Zarley (courtesy photo)
  Indie artists Matt Zarley and Ty Taylor have been friends for over 27 years – ever since they appeared on Broadway in the 1993 revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In fact, the two talented men were both understudies for the title role. Taylor and Zarley went on to additional featured appearances on the Great White Way (like Grease and Tommy, respectively) before moving on to successful careers as recording artists as well. The two had been discussing recording together and they hit on the perfect song for the duo considering their shared experience with Joseph. “When Ty and I first discussed collaborating on something together, he suggested we do a reimagined version of ‘Close Every Door,’ says Zarley. “We collectively agreed that we should do it with a more acoustic approach, sort of reminiscent of the Indigo Girls and that type of sound. As a result, we settled on just an acoustic guitar and bass as the instrumentation.” Set in a prison cell, Joseph laments his situation and assures himself he can make it to the other side of his imprisonment. But the coronavirus pandemic put the project on pause for a few months. When they reconvened for the project, both felt the new world of ‘sheltering at home’ coupled with the homicide of George Floyd had created a new perspective for the song. Taylor says he looked at issues like “brutality and imprisonment, things that are thrust upon us wrongfully” as he revisited the song. In the video’s introduction, he shares, “It’s fueled with a whole different backstory than I’d ever planned.” Shot in black and white (see what they did there?), the new guitar-driven track (thank you very much, Mike Messer, on guitar) is infused with a pop/soul flavor that instantly reinvents the song. Plus, check out the moments at the 2:40 and 4:30 marks as each singer respectfully takes note of the other’s riffs. Props to Zarley for the creative, current feel on the editing of the video.

Since 2015, Zarley has been producing his “UnCOVERED” series of cover songs requested by fans. In addition to reimagining pop songs by artists like Sara Bareilles, Sam Smith, Whitney Houston, and George Michael, he’s also explored songs from Broadway shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Ghost the Musical, and Waitress. Check out the full “UnCOVERED” series on YouTube here.

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Tonight: Don’t Miss ‘Bernadette Peters – A Special Concert’

Bernadette Peters: A Special Concert

Bernadette Peters: A Special Concert For the first time online, experience an extraordinary evening with Broadway legend Bernadette Peters in concert. The free stream of Bernadette Peters: A Special Concert is set for Friday, July 10 at 8pm ET. Peters, a three-time Tony Award recipient and star of TV and film, will be joined by actor and friend Michael Urie to talk about the concert, share inside Broadway stories and celebrate Peters’ illustrious career. The concert, which was filmed in 2009 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre, features extraordinary performances of songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and more. The evening also includes the legendary Mary Tyler Moore, who co-founded the annual pet adoption event Broadway Barks with Peters, and appearances by furry friends looking to find their forever homes. “I’m delighted to be able to share this incredible evening again, which has only been seen by those who were inside the Minskoff Theater,” Peters said. “I hope this evening will bring joy to those who now get to experience it while still making a real difference for people in need across the country, and in our industry through support of Broadway Cares.” While the concert stream is free to all, VIP and sponsorship opportunities also are available that provide exclusive virtual experiences with Peters and recognition during the stream. To learn more and watch, click here.

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Broadway: Nick Cordero Passes Away At 41 From COVID-19

Broadway star Nick Cordero
A post I truly did not ever want to write. After more than 90 days in the hospital due to COVID-19, actor and Tony Award nominee Nick Cordero (Waitress, Rock of Ages, A Bronx Tale, Bullets Over Broadway) has passed away at the age of 41. Although I only met Nick once in a backstage moment, I can say I’ve never seen such an outpouring for a member of our Broadway community as I’ve seen for Nick. Nick passed on Sunday morning at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife Amanda Kloots, whom he wed in September 2017, and their 1-year-old son Elvis Eduardo. Kloots shared the news in a social media post this afternoon.

“God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth. ⠀ “I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday. ⠀ “To Nicks extraordinary doctor, Dr. David Ng, you were my positive doctor! There are not many doctors like you. Kind, smart, compassionate, assertive and always eager to listen to my crazy ideas or call yet another doctor for me for a second opinion. You’re a diamond in the rough.

“I cannot begin to thank everyone enough for the outpour of love , support and help we’ve received these last 95 days. You have no idea how much you lifted my spirits at 3pm everyday as the world sang Nicks song, Live Your Life. We sang it to him today, holding his hands. As I sang the last line to him, “they’ll give you hell but don’t you light them kill your light not without a fight. Live your life,” I smiled because he definitely put up a fight.

“I will love you forever and always my sweet man.”

RIP Nick Cordero.

 

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God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth. ⠀ I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday. ⠀ To Nicks extraordinary doctor, Dr. David Ng, you were my positive doctor! There are not many doctors like you. Kind, smart, compassionate, assertive and always eager to listen to my crazy ideas or call yet another doctor for me for a second opinion. You’re a diamond in the rough. ⠀ ⠀ I cannot begin to thank everyone enough for the outpour of love , support and help we’ve received these last 95 days. You have no idea how much you lifted my spirits at 3pm everyday as the world sang Nicks song, Live Your Life. We sang it to him today, holding his hands. As I sang the last line to him, “they’ll give you hell but don’t you light them kill your light not without a fight. Live your life,” I smiled because he definitely put up a fight. I will love you forever and always my sweet man. ❤️

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Broadway Actor Adam Perry’s 109 Days Of COVID-19

Broadway actor Adam Perry backstage at Frozen (image via Instagram)
Adam Perry, who’s appeared in numerous Broadway shows (Frozen, Rocky, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Anything Goes, Promises, Promises, A Chorus Line, Wicked) shared his ongoing journey with the coronavirus having lived with symptoms now for over 100 days. For months now, the myth of the coronavirus has been that it “only affects the elderly.” But Perry, who has been in peak physical condition for years thanks to dancing on Broadway and hitting the gym regularly, says his experience with COVID-19 has been “terrifying.” “There is nothing like the feeling of not being able to breathe,” he told CNN’s Kate Bolduan on Erin Burnett OutFront.

Since testing positive for the virus on March 17, Perry says his ongoing symptoms start with a cough and then develop into tightness in his chest. Even more disconcerting, every time the veteran Broadway performer thinks he’s beaten the disease, his symptoms return. “I would feel better for a few days and then it would just come and smack me again,” Perry said. “I had two days of symptoms and then felt like a million bucks for three days. So I thought I was off the hook, thought I beat it, but then it came back with a vengeance.” A serious concern for Perry today is struggling with his ‘new normal.’
Adam Perry (center) in Broadway Bares in 2017 (image via Instagram)
“I have been doing eight shows a week for 15 to 20 years,” he said. “Now the capacity is not the same. I am just praying daily that it will get back to normal and I will be able to do things again.” The 39-year-old actor shared on his Facebook page that watching the news of new COVID-19 cases surging across the country left him in tears. “I cried watching the news tonight,” wrote Perry. “Cases are spiking. The president makes jokes about coronavirus. People shame others for wearing masks. The country is making it a partisan issue.” Perry urged viewers to “come together, wear a mask, socially distance for as long as we can until there’s a vaccine because this thing has an infinite variable of outcomes for people.” He added that, in his view, there’s “a short term, long term, and ‘we just don’t know,’ so it’s just really important that people take care of each other.” He added, “I just really don’t want other people to have to experience what I experienced.” Watch Perry’s recent appearance on CNN above along with just a few posts from his Instagram account showing how fit the Broadway veteran has stayed over the years.

 

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Cuntry gal in Cabela’s & vintage Ralph Lauren 🎣

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Pines lighting tho 🌲🧚🏻‍♂️🌲 📷: @lapidustudio

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Golden Pride 💛🏳️‍🌈💛 📸: @esp_bymike

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Jan 1st. Is it summer yet? 🙄 🌊photography by @lapidustudio

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Natural tho 🌿 Photo by @kevinmcdnyc 📷

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⚓️🌊⚓️ 📷: @kylekrieger

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Broadway Theaters To Remain Dark Until January 2021

(photo: Ludovic Bertron/Flickr)
From the New York Times:

Broadway will remain closed for at least the rest of this year, and many shows are signaling that they do not expect a return to the stage until late winter or early spring.

The Broadway League said Monday that theater owners and producers will refund or exchange tickets previously purchased for shows through Jan. 3. Given the unpredictability of the coronavirus pandemic that has prompted the shuttering of Broadway, the League said it was not yet ready to specify exactly when shows will reopen.

“Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021,” the League said in a statement.

Among the logistical issues industry leaders are discussing with government and medical officials: “screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theaters, backstage protocols and much more.”

Since March 12, all 41 Broadway theaters have been dark due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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#TBT – ‘Beautiful City’ From GODSPELL

Hunter Parrish records ‘Beautiful City’

A perfect throwback Thursday morning show tune. From the 2011 Broadway production of GODSPELL, Hunter Parrish sings “Beautiful City.” Originally written for the 1973 movie of the musical, the Broadway creative team decided to add the song to the stage version. Beautiful.

In revisiting the material, the production team explored new arrangements and harmonies that honored the original but had a fresher sound for 2011. Check out the newly-revised “Save the People” below with Hunter and the rest of the cast.

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Four Moms From Dear Evan Hansen Sing ‘Anybody Have A Map?’

L-R Lisa Brescia, Christiane Noll, Jessica Phillips, and Jennifer Laura Thompson
Four Broadway leading ladies singing together for the first time. Four Broadway and National Tour Dear Evan Hansen ‘Moms’ — Lisa Brescia, Christiane Noll, Jessica Phillips, and Jennifer Laura Thompson — joined forces for this music video that asks the universal question, “Anybody Have A Map?” The Dear Evan Hansen YouTube channel shared the video in 2018, and I kept meaning to share this. I love how different all four actresses are and yet they have a similar ineffable quality. I love the arrangement, and in these crazy days, the song offers a lighthearted acknowledgment that we don’t always have the answers.

The Broadway producers wisely took advantage of the show’s terrific score to come up with unique spins on the songs. In the past, I’ve shared two ‘Evan Hansens’ singing “Only Us” to each other for Valentine’s Day and four actors who’ve taken on the title role from the Broadway, National Tour, Toronto and West End productions singing “For Forever.”

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Podcast: Chatting With Jamison Stern Of 5-Time Emmy Winning ‘After Forever’

Actor Jamison Stern
In this episode of The Randy Report podcast, I’m chatting with the fabulous TV and stage actor Jamison Stern. As a cast member of the Amazon Video series After Forever, he was a part of the team that was honored with 8 Daytime Emmy nominations in 2019 and took home five – including Best Digital Series, Best Writing Team for Digital Series, Best Actor in a digital series and more. Last week, the 2020 Daytime Emmy nominations were announced and it was more good news for the After Forever crew – six nominations this year including – again – Best Digital Series and Best Writing Team for a Digital Series. So, it’s terrific timing to sit down and chat with Jamison about the journey and success of the show.

One of the busiest actors in New York City, Jamison has appeared on Broadway, off-Broadway, and in just about every leading regional theater across the country. He recently won rave reviews for his tour de force turn in Fully Committed at TheaterWorks in Hartford playing 33 characters – onstage alone. One critic wrote, “The production showcases an awesome star in Jamison Stern, who lights up the stage and fills the play with dozens of characters, even though he is completely—and gloriously—on his own.” He also brings that creative output to his Instagram account. During the run of a show, he’ll become obsessed with new ways to include his followers in his theatrical journey. Jamison is one of the actors who bring theatre to life for so many across the country starring in top-notch productions in cities like Hartford CT, Atlanta GA, Houston TX, and Seattle WA. Hit play and you’ll see why this is one of my favorite interviews to date on The Randy Report. You can follow Jamison on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jamisonstern/ and check out After Forever on Amazon here.

 

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Me and EMMY!! It’s an honor just to be blah blah blah. @afterforevertheseries @daytimeemmys

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Lincoln Center: Kelli O’Hara Sings Gorgeous #MemorialForUsAll Tribute

Tony Award-winner Kelli O’Hara
Join Tony Award-winner Kelli O’Hara for this fourth Memorial For Us All tribute from Lincoln Center, singing works by Sondheim, McLean, and more to honor those we’ve lost. From Lincoln Center: We offer #MemorialForUsAll to provide unity, comfort, and healing. This Memorial Day weekend, as we honor those who have left us too soon during this pandemic, we also extend our debt of gratitude to those who have lost their lives in service. I was lucky to work with Kelli in the 2001 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s FOLLIES. She was as exquisite then as she is today. Three songs, beautifully performed.