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.
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.”
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.
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.
Guest post by Lawrence Pfeil, Jr. You can turn off its bright lights, lock up its stage doors, and silence the “Lullaby of Broadway,” but you’ll never take away a gay man’s dreams of being a musical theatre star! But while the rest of us wait for theatre marquees across America to light up again, we can follow Anthony on his journey in the new movie musical comedy, Still Waiting in the Wings is set for its worldwide release May 15, 2020, on DVD and all digital platforms, including Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. Still Waiting in the Wings is a light-hearted musical tale following the triumphs and trials of actors dreaming of the Great White Way, mixing sweet aspirations with bitter drama. Our stars sing and dance while living the reality of slinging hash under the florescent lights at Times Square’s famed “Café Broadway.” There are truly no people like show people and there’s no telling what can happen when they’re pitted against each other. Sprinkled along the way are special appearances by Nick Adams, Ed Asner, Carole Cook, Lee Meriwether, Patricia Richardson, Chita Rivera, Seth Rudetsky, Sally Struthers, Bruce Vilanch, and Cindy Williams. Jeffrey A. Johns and Chita Rivera in ‘Still Waiting in the Wings’ “Since theatres all over the country are closed right now, many of us are missing the arts in our life,” says star and co-writer Jeffrey A. Johns. “If this movie can bring the joy of musicals to people right now, I couldn’t be more thrilled. We could all use a smile and some laughter right now and hope the film can bring that to people during this difficult time.” Still Waiting in the Wings has screened at film festivals across the world and has won several top awards. Highlights include Q Cinema: Fort Worth (“Best of the Festival”), qFlix: Philadelphia (“Rising Star Award in Acting –Jeffrey A. Johns”), Garden State Film Festival (“Best Musical Feature”), FilmOut: San Diego (“Best Ensemble” and “Best Soundtrack”), California Independent Film Festival (“Best Feature Film”), qFlix: Worcester, New England’s LGBT Film Festival (“Audience Favorite”), Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs (“Festival Favorite”), and California Independent Film Festival (“Best Actress in a Feature Film – Rena Strober”). The movie is directed by Q. Allan Brocka and written by Jeffrey A. Johns and Arie Gonzalez. The cast includes Jeffrey A. Johns, Joe Abraham, Rena Strober, Adam Huss, Blake Peyrot, Harrison White, and Rebekah Kochan. Still Waiting in the Wings and CD soundtrack are currently available for pre-order at www.JJSpotlightProductions.com
Lawrence Pfeil, Jr., is a freelance writer/playwright who has reviewed film and theatre, both on and off-Broadway, for media outlets including The Randy Report, the New York Blade, and Edge Publications. You can follow him at TheOUTfront.com.
L-R Jeb Havens, Julie Garnye, Matt Zarley Another week, another Hump Day, another look out the window as the pandemic continues and I contemplate our relative solitude. Lately, I’ve listened to the urging of my better angels and find myself reaching out to check on friends, or as I call them, ‘family.’ Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, says “loneliness is thought to be a biological drive that motivates us to reconnect.” So, I’ve been making those calls and video chats that get put off to make sure folks don’t feel ‘forgotten in the middle of nowhere.’ Which brings me to this gorgeous new cover of “You Will Be Found” from the mega-hit Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Recording artists Jeb Havens, Matt Zarley, and Julie Garnyé collaborated on the music video long-distance from their respective isolations during the pandemic lockdown. I’ve profiled two-time OutMusic Award winner Zarley and the handsome Mr. Havens before on TRR, but this is my first chance to share Ms. Garnye’s talents here as well. All three have lengthy resumes that reflect their vocal gifts and “Found” proves to be the perfect vehicle for the talented trio. Havens leads out alongside a spare, pensive piano accompaniment, and is soon joined by Zarley and a soothing cello line. Next stop – the chorus, tightly-woven harmonies, and that key change you know is coming. Like a powerful clarion call, Garnye sings as the beat kicks in:
There’s a place where we don’t have to feel alone / Every time that you call out, you’re a little less aloneIf you only say the word / From across the silence your voice is heard
Beat, beat, beat, accelerando, more harmonies (excellent musicianship, btw) and we get to the big gorgeous ending that seems our due. Big props to Zarley who edited the video. Three solo shots could have been a real snore to watch, but the whole shindig takes on such visual dynamics it feels like having a whole Broadway ensemble on my screen. Enough of my prattling, though. Hit play, kick back and feel good. The right message at the right time.
(photo: Ludovic Bertron/Flickr) The Broadway League has announced the current closure of Broadway theaters will now extend to September 6, 2020.
With the ongoing suspension of Broadway performances due to COVID-19 continuing until further notice, the Broadway League is updating information regarding performance cancellations and ticketing protocol. While a date to resume performances is yet to be determined, Broadway theatres are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for performances through September 6, 2020.
“While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theatre – behind the curtain and in front of it – before shows can return. The Broadway League’s membership is working in cooperation with the theatrical unions, government officials, and health experts to determine the safest ways to restart our industry,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League.
“Throughout this challenging time, we have been in close communication with Governor Cuomo’s office and are grateful for his support and leadership as we work together to bring back this vital part of New York City’s economy – and spirit.”
Those holding tickets for performances through September 6, 2020 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through September 6, 2020 that have not received an e-mail by May 18th are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.
With a return date still to be determined, Broadway productions will remain dark through September 6. https://t.co/BeXrwkHUaK
Broadway fans are about to lose their minds! The filmed version of the mega-hit musical Hamilton – originally scheduled to hit theaters on October 15 – will now premiere on Disney+ on Friday, July 3. The televised version was shot over three days in July 2016 with the original Broadway cast. Squee!!! Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator, and Bob Iger, executive chairman of The Walt Disney Company, made the surprise announcement Tuesday on “Good Morning America.”
(image via Instagram) Netflix has dropped the trailer for the upcoming ‘Ben Platt Live From Radio City Music Hall‘ scheduled to debut on the streaming platform May 20. The concert (filmed on September 29, 2019) included tracks from the Tony Award winner’s debut solo album, Sing to Me Instead, as well as selections from a very personal songbook. In the trailer, Platt shares with the audience, “I’m a very anxious person, so I live very much in my head. I have a really hard time being present where I am, and one of the most special ways for me to do that is music.” “The greatest gift of music is it’s something that can really bring people together,” says the Dear Evan Hansen star. “It can help you see someone in a way that you don’t expect to, and see someone’s perspective.”
Lincoln Center Theatre will stream (for free!) it’s Tony Award-winning 2015 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I (2015) tonight, May 8, at 8PM ET on BroadwayHD. Directed by Bartlett Sher, starring Kelli O’Hara, Ken Watanabe, and Ruthie Ann Miles, the production was honored with 4 Tony Awards including Best Revival. If you can’t make it tonight, don’t worry – the show will be available to stream for free for 48 hours following the viewing party. If you like to do the Twitter participation thing, use the hashtag #RNHMovieNight to watch along with other Broadway fans. This screening is being presented in support of The Actors Fund, an organization near and dear to my heart 🙂 To donate, visit: ActorsFund.org/TheKingAndI
Broadway fans are about to lose their minds! The filmed version of the mega-hit musical Hamilton – originally scheduled to hit theaters on October 15 – will now premiere on Disney+ on Friday, July 3. The televised version was shot over three days in July 2016 with the original Broadway cast. Squee!!! Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator, and Bob Iger, executive chairman of The Walt Disney Company, made the surprise announcement Tuesday on “Good Morning America.” 
