The Ensemblist Podcast Episode 1 - Origin Story

By Byrne Harrison
Photo by Kevin Thomas Garcia

I knew as soon as I heard the cute theme song by The Skivvies that I was going to like this show.

"The Ensemblist" is a podcast about the often-overlooked part of a Broadway show - the chorus members, the gypsies, the ensemble.  This podcast will show what their lives are like onstage and off.

In this first episode, hosts Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone introduce the mission of "The Ensemblist" and talk about some upcoming episodes.  They both are engaging and sound like they will make amazing hosts.

Episode 2 is already up, and explores partnering: what it takes to create that movement, what it takes to dance those steps, and all the little stuff in between.  Their guests include: Stephanie Gibson, Peter Nelson, Mark Stuart, Cameron Adams, and Marty Lawson.

"The Ensemblist" is available through iTunes.

James Comtois Steps Down as Co-Artistic Director of Nosedive Productions

By Byrne Harrison

It has been announced that James Comtois has stepped down as Co-Artistic Director and Resident Playwright of the indie theatre company Nosedive Productions.

"This wasn't an easy decision, but the time has come for me to move on," said Comtois, who is leaving Nosedive after forming the company 13 years ago with fellow Co-Artistic Director Pete Boisvert. "Doing Nosedive has been an absolute blast, and is something I am and will always be immensely proud of."

"I was definitely saddened to hear James' decision, but I can see that it is the right one for him," Boisvert added. "I want to thank James for his tireless dedication to Nosedive over the years. In addition to being an incredibly talented writer, he has been an amazing collaborator and a true friend, and I would not trade the many years we have worked side by side for anything."

Boisvert, Company Manager Stephanie Cox-Williams and Artistic Associate Patrick Shearer plan to continue producing their horror anthology series, The Blood Brothers Present...

Meanwhile, Comtois plans to form a new creative venture to be announced at a later date.

To celebrate the life of the company under Mr. Comtois’ and Mr. Boisvert’s joint direction, Nosedive plans to throw a gala in September that will be free and open to the public. Details to arrive soon. 

I have been a fan of Nosedive for many years, and am always pleased to see the amazingly creative work that the company has fostered.  That said, I find that I'm excited to see what happens next, both for Nosedive, which has clearly been left in remarkably capable hands, and with Comtois himself.  A talented writer, I imagine there is something grand coming up for him.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing the Nosedive family at their gala in September.

News Roundup - Edward Albee, Julie Halston and Billy Crystal

Out of prison, into a theatre.

Edward Albee wins 2013 Chicago Tribune Literary Prize.

Julie Halston to perform at Birdland August 12th and 19th.

Billy Crystal helps out his hometown.

Off-Broadway for beginners.

Jackée Harry to will join cast of NEWSical The Musical.

I kind of wish I could see this.  Any musical with a song called "Fat People Choreography" piques my interest.

Pennsylvania's People's Light and Theatre to name Mainstage Theatre for Leonard C. Haas.

Lea Salonga talks about her recent work in "4Starts" in Tokyo.

Neil Patrick Harris joins American Theatre Wing's Advisory Committee.

Chita Rivera to celebrate her 80th birthday with a show.

Brian C. Petti's "The Love Song of Sidney J. Stein" Opens Tomorrow at the Fresh Fruit Festival

The Fresh Fruit Festival presents Brian C. Petti's The Love Song of Sidney J. Stein, a gay relationship play for the new millennium, at the The Wild Project, 195 East 3rd Street on the Lower East Side (bet. Aves. A & B, F train to Second Ave.) A former male prostitute tries to guide a troubled young streetwalker in this comedy/drama about trust, honesty, and second chances.

Show times are: Friday, July 12th at 9pm, Saturday, July 13th at 4:30pm, Sunday, July 14th at 7:30pm.

Tickets may be purchased for $18.00 online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/527.

Runtime approx. 80 minutes.

Further information available at http://pettiplays.wikispaces.com/The+Love+Song+of+Sidney+J.+Stein.

Interview - Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj of "The Little Rock Nine Project"

By Byrne Harrison

After reading about the upcoming Little Rock Nine Project, I spoke with Red Shirt Entertainment's Producing Artistic Director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj to find out more.

What was the genesis of The Little Rock Nine Project?

I have a relationship with the Little Rock Nine.  I wrote a play called The Little Rock Nine which tells the story of their first year integrating in Little Rock Central High School.  I wanted to create a work that told the story of the Little Rock Nine crisis and its legacy on children today.

Tell me a little about what the audience can expect to see at this concert?

A soul-stirring concert that blends together original poems, music and monologues that will warm your heart and touch your soul.

Original member of the Little Rock Nine, Ernest Green, will be attending the performance. How did he come to be involved?

He is a mentor and friend of mind.  He heard about the project and wanted to support me and the kids.

Speaking of the kids, what was it like working with members of the Camp AmeriKid Leader-in-Training program?

It was one of the most important, inspiring journeys I have had in my life.  It's changed my artistic DNA!

If you could say one thing to your potential audience about this performance, what would it be?

You will learn about history and realize that each of us have the power to change the world, just like the Little Rock Nine did in 1957.

Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj is an Indo-Caribbean American artist, educator and activist.  He is the Producing Artistic Director of Red Shirt Entertainment (www.redshirtentertainment.com) and has numerous directing/choreography credits. 

His commissioned works include: Diss Diss and Dis Dat, a new hip hop musical inspired by the music of the Funkie Natives (Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theater); Grey and Twenty-Five (Ensemble Studio Theater NYC); BlackfootNotes (Sloan Grant/Ensemble Studio Theater NYC); Little Rock (Arkansas Repertory Theater/TCG/NEA New Generations); Children of the Dream (Alliance Theater, ATL).  Co. Written and Co. Conceived work: History of the Word, a new spoken word play with music; Exposures, an urban spoken word choreopoem.  Adapted work: Ghosts by Ibsen “Jamaican adaptation” (Rebel Theater Co.); Abortion by O’Neill “Mississippi Night” (Rasa Theater Co. & Sign of the Times); Black Nativity by Langston Hughes “Darfur Nativity” (Goodman Theater & Congo Square); the poem Willie by Maya Angelou “Spook” (Rebel Theater Co.); Daisy inspired by the life and legacy of the indomitable Daisy Lee Bates. Straight Outta Denmark (Hip Hop Hamlet Red Shirt Entertainment); Holocaust Project (a trilogy focusing on the genocides in Germany, Rwanda and Darfur).

He is the founder of a children’s arts group “Be, Do, Fly” that provides free performing arts access to children in need across America. Maharaj is the founder and the artistic advisor of River Voices, an African American Latino playwriting festival in collaboration with Arkansas Repertory Theatre.  He is also an artistic consultant for the Arkansas Repertory Theater. Maharaj has been featured in American Theatre Magazine, Yale Review, New York Times, The Star Ledger, The NAACP Crisis News, Chicago Sun Times, Ebony, Arkansas Times, Uptown Magazine and has been featured on the Hot List as a New York Theater Artist to Watch, Amsterdam News and Variety for his work in the American theatre.  

News Roundup - Schwimmer, Pippin and an amazing looking Macbeth

This is the kind of news we love to hear.  A high school drama club from Alice, Texas visits New York, sees some shows, including Peter and the Starcatcher, Newsies and Matilda.

David Schwimmer returns to Chicago theatre he helped found.

Shake up at the Bolshoi.  But will it help?

Architect Sergio Fisher finally gets to visit the theatre he helped design in Sitka, Alaska.

Signature Idol - Let your inner diva out with at the Signature Theatre Open House in Arlington.  You have until July 24th to prepare a YouTube video of your best show tune and send the link to info@signature-theatre.org.

So You Think You Can Dance's Smash moment.

Review of the Manchester International Festival production of Macbeth starring Kenneth Branagh.

Little known facts about Pippin's Matthew James Thomas.

Three reasons a theatre degree is important.

Photos from the National Medal of Arts ceremony.

Theatre critic Peter Filichia on Leonard Lopate Show tomorrow to talk about his new book, "Strippers, Showgirls and Sharks: Best Musicals."

Red Shirt Entertainment Announces New Concert Piece - "The Little Rock Nine Project"

Red Shirt Entertainment, in association with Camp AmeriKids, Be.Do.Fly! and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, is announcing a new concert piece entitled “The Little Rock Nine Project.” The event will take place on Saturday, July 13th at 7:00PM at the historic Nuyorican Poets Cafe, located at 236 East 3rd Street in New York’s East Village.

The project will honor the legacy of the Little Rock Nine, the Civil Rights group that challenged racial segregation at Little Rock Central High School in 1957, through original monologues, poetry, letters and music. In attendance will be Little Rock Nine member, as well as Congressional Gold Medal and NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient, Ernest Green.

"It's an incredible honor to have a Civil Rights icon and dear friend, Ernest Green, attend our event and to have several politically-conscious organizations come together for this common goal,” said Red Shirt Entertainment Artistic Producing Director and Be.Do.Fly! Founder Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj.

Parties involved in the conception of the project include Maharaj and participants of the Camp AmeriKids Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program. AmeriKids is a non-profit group devoted to enhancing the lives of young people coping with the challenges of HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease. LITs range between the ages of 16 and 18. The performances are meant to parallel the struggles in their lives with those of the Little Rock Nine. All proceeds from the night will go toward AmeriKids, in addition to Be.Do.Fly! and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe – both non-profit organizations, as well.

“This adds to the list of meaningful work spearheaded by each of the respective organizations involved with this project,” said Frank O’Brien, Executive Producer of Red Shirt Entertainment and recent recipient of the AmeriKids “Making a Difference” Award. “We at Red Shirt are pleased to continue our relationship with each of them as we attempt to change the lives of these youngsters in need.”

Please reserve tickets and make your $20 donation by visiting www.redshirtentertainment.com.

News Roundup - Encores!, Zombies, Mary Ann and Well Strung

City Center's Encores! series to tackle Off-Broadway musicals.

After staffing changes, John Pollano's Small Engine Repair to open Off-Broadway this fall.  Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead) is out, but James Badge Dale is in, so zombie enthusiasts are still covered.

Anthony J. Wilkinson's long running My Big Gay Italian Wedding and My Big Gay Italian Funeral extended through year's end.

Dawn Wells of "Gilligan's Island" joins cast of San Jose Rep's Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

Jason Ralph

Jason Ralph, Boy in Peter and the Starcatcher, on being shy.

A look at a Broadway star's dogs in honor of the upcoming Broadway Barks cat and dog adoption event.

The Trip to Bountiful extends again.

Laura Benanti and Steven Pasquale to divorce.

29 signs you have a theatre degree.

Broadway Week returns to Live With Kelly and Michael starting July 22nd.

Ma-Yi Theater Company announces its next season.

String quartet Well Strung releases first video.

President Obama to award 2012 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medals.  Award winners include Renee Fleming, Tony Kushner, Elaine May, and Anna Deavere Smith.

The Public Theater Announces Benefit Concerts Featuring Sting

The Public Theater announced today that, for the first and only time, Sting will perform songs from his new album, The Last Ship, for 10 concerts to benefit The Public Theater in their intimate, 260-seat Anspacher Theater from September 25 – October 9. An evening of music and storytelling with one of the world’s most prolific artists, these performances will offer unique insight into the creative process of both his new album, to be released September 24, and his forthcoming play of the same name, premiering in 2014. All proceeds benefit The Public Theater and are tax deductible.

“Sting is one of the great artists of our time, a brilliant songwriter who is also a model of activist commitment,” said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “The Last Ship is shaping up to be a masterpiece, both an elegy for and a celebration of the working class life of the Newcastle shipyards. The Public is honored to call Sting a friend and thrilled to be hosting these benefit concerts.”

Sting added, “The Public Theater, a New York institution committed to supporting all of the city's distinct communities, was a natural fit to perform this material that is, at its core, about the importance of community." 

In the spirit of The Public Theater’s ongoing mission of accessibility, a limited number of free seats will be distributed the day of each performance via a lottery system.  Entries will be taken between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. each performance day, with a drawing beginning at 6:00 p.m. (All entrants must be present to win.)

Sting also has a long tradition of hosting special events for members of his official fan club. In addition to these 10 performances, 100 Sting.com Fan Club members will receive free tickets, selected via lottery, to attend a very special concert in celebration of Sting’s birthday on Wednesday, October 2 at The Public Theater. For details, please visit www.sting.com.

American Express ® Cardmembers can purchase advance tickets beginning on Wednesday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. EST through Sunday, July 14 at 10:00 p.m. EST at http://www.publictheater.org/content/view/296 or 212-967-7555.

An exclusive pre-sale for Sting.com Fan Club members will begin Saturday, July 13 at 12noon EST and conclude Sunday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Sting.com Fan Club members must purchase tickets by phone at 212-967-7555.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Sunday, July 14 at 10:01 p.m. EST at http://www.publictheater.org/content/view/296 and beginning Monday, July 15 at 12noon EST by phone or at the box office.

Benefit ticket prices range from $250-$2,500, with tickets at the top tier to include VIP seating and a pre-show meet & greet with Sting. Tickets are tax deductible for US residents. All performances begin at 8:00 p.m.

This fall, Sting will release a new album of original material entitled The Last Ship.  Drawing inspiration from the shipbuilding community of Wallsend in the North East of England where he was born and raised, Sting has crafted both an entire world and a close-knit community of original characters. In celebration of the album, these intimate benefit concerts at The Public Theater will reveal Sting’s influences behind the album through storytelling and visual projections paying homage to the traditional roots of the North East of England, with music from pub-like folk tunes to a wall of sound from Sting’s full band, many of whose members also hail from the North East.

Varla Jean Merman to Premiere New Show in Provincetown This Summer

Photo courtesy of The Art House

Varla Jean Merman (aka Jeffery Roberson) has been the acknowledged entertainment Queen of P-town for the past decade. Each summer brings the anticipated premiere of her latest, original and irreverent music-comedy show – a summer-long ‘hot ticket’ every year. After a typically busy year starring to critical acclaim as the title roles in the original musical comedy farces Mildred Fierce in Boston and Scrooge in Rouge in New Orleans, as well as in Menotti’s opera The Medium in New York, Varla returns to P-Town to premiere "Twice Upon A Mattress…Will My Prince Ever Come?" at The Art House from July 1 – August 31, with MRF at the piano. For tickets please visit www.ptownarthouse.com

In the new show, the artist explains, “Varla gives the mother of all gooses to everyone's favorite fairy tails. After years of kissing frogs, toads and other slimy creatures, Varla is tired of trying to make her prince come. Should she toss it all aside and embrace her inner Evil Queen? With Grimm stories, a castle's worth of couture and a libido that could wear out seven dwarves, this Ambien-addled Sleeping Beauty is wide awake and ready to give everyone a happy ending!”

2010 Elliot Norton Award Winner, Roberson’s Varla Jean Merman has been featured on television as a guest on TV’s Ugly Betty and on Bravo’s Project Runway Season 5 as the winning model for the show’s drag challenge. Other TV credits include his network television debut on All My Children in the recurring role of lady of the evening Rosemary Chicken, HBO’s Dragtime, E!’s Fashion Emergency, E! Goes to Cannes, MTV’s True Life: Mardi Gras, Francesca Page with Rossy DePalma, and has most recently appeared as Varla Jean on Logo starring in shorts for “Drag History Month.” He shared the Outfest Film Festival “Best Actor” Award and the Aspen HBO Film Festival “Best Actress” Award with his costars Jack Poltnick and Clinton Leupp for his featured performance in the cult classic film Girls Will Be Girls (Sundance 2003) directed by Richard Day. This past January he filmed the sequel entitled Girls Will Be Girls 2012. When Varla (aka Jeffery Roberson) starred opposite Leslie Jordan spring of 2012 at the Little Shubert Theatre, the New York Times wrote “If Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman had stood in front of the right pair of funhouse mirrors, they might have resembled Ms. Merman and Mr. Jordan in stature as well as comedic talent.” He also played the role of Mary Sunshine in the revival of Chicago on Broadway and appeared at the Long Wharf Theatre in Hartford Stage’s production of The Mystery of Irma Vep directed by Michael Wilson performing the roles originally made famous by Charles Ludlam.

Jeffery as Varla Jean has filled concert halls and cabarets across the world including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, the Public Theater, London’s Soho Theatre, LA’s Renberg Theatre, and San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre. He was the opening act of Vienna’s LifeBall, the largest fundraiser for AIDS research in Europe, where he shared the stage with Sharon Stone and Catherine Deneuve. His many Fraktured Classiks productions in New York include The Mailman Always Comes Twice, Screen Door and CAGED! with Lily Tomlin, Joan Rivers and Isabella Rossellini, Lypsinka is Harriet Craig, The Miracle Worker (with Charles Busch) and Varla Jean Merman is The Bad Seedling. Recent engagements also include the title role in Auntie Mame, Scrooge in Rouge, Ricky Graham’s production of Irma Vep at Southern Rep/Le Chat Noir, his recent solo show Varla Jean’s The Loose Chanteuse featuring Tom Judson, which ran in Provincetown, LA, New York and New Orleans, and last summer’s Topping Myself, which sold out its summer run.

String Quartet "Well Strung" Returns to Provincetown for Summer

Well-Strung: the Singing String Quartet will return to Provincetown’s Art House theater this season. Since the group’s 3-month run at the venue last summer, they’ve been on a roll - with two recent hit New York productions Off-Broadway and their first album released this spring. Well-Strung will debut an all-new show for the summer, running from June 30 – Sept. 1. It is directed again by Donna Drake, and will feature new arrangements of songs by Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift and Third Eye Blind among others as well as new material written by Jeffery Roberson (aka Varla Jean Merman). For tickets, please visit www.ptownarthouse.com or call 800-838-3006.

A hit last summer at this theater for their unique ‘mash-up of string quartet and boy band,’ the group features classical musicians who sing, putting their own spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Ke$ha, Pink, Adele, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and more. They are Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Christopher Marchant (second violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola). Music arrangements are by David Levinson with additional arrangements by Daniel Shevlin. The show was directed by Donna Drake, conceived by Christopher Marchant & Mark Cortale and written by Ms. Drake & Mr. Cortale, with additional material contributed by Jeffery Roberson. Immediately after their upcoming P-Town run, the foursome will continue their career hot streak with a debut on London’s West End in September at the Leicester Square Theater.

The group first began performing together in a workshop production of the show directed by Ms. Drake at Ars Nova in NYC on Feb. 28th, 2012. Musical arrangements were by Mr. Levinson with additional arrangements by Mr. Shevlin. That same show sold out at Joe’s Pub in May of 2012 before having an extended run last summer at The Art House in Provincetown, MA and playing Off-Broadway at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater last fall. The group returned to Off-Broadway for the first three weeks of March, 2013, and sold-out the Highline Ballroom for one night in early May. The foursome’s debut album was released on Twist Records on February 28, and was produced by Matt Farber (Founder of LOGO Network) and Mark Cortale.

Edmund Bagnell (First Violinist) played Tobias in the 1st National Tour of "Sweeney Todd" directed by John Doyle. He was most recently seen this fall in Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium” playing the role of Toby opposite Varla Jean Merman. Recent regional theater credits include Charlie Brown in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (Summer Theater of New Canaan), Charlie in "The Big Holiday Broadcast of 1959" written by Joanna Gleason (Fairfield Theater Company), and Oramel Howland in "The Great Unknown" written by Jim Wann ("Pump Boys and Dinettes") and Bill Hauptman ("Big River") as a part of NYMF.

Donna Drake (Director) has appeared in the original Broadway casts of "A Chorus Line," "Sophisticated Ladies," "Woman of the Year," "The Wind in the Willows," "5678-Dance," "It’s so nice to be Civilized" and the original production of "The 1940s Radio Hour." She was an Emmy nominee for "Dear Alex and Annie," and received 4 Drama Desk Nominations, a Mac Award Nomination and a Theatre World Award. She also directed John Tartaglia’s "Imaginocean," which ran Off Broadway at New World Stages.

David Levinson (Arrangements) collaborated with Stacey Weingarten and Donna Drake on "Les Enfants de Paris" (world premiere NYMF 2011). David is also currently working on music and lyrics for "Boys Lost," "The Elliot's," and "Who Is Prester John?" which are in development.

Chris Marchant (Second Violinist) grew up singing and playing violin, but was not involved with theater until the end of his studies at Malone University in Canton, OH. Since then, he has been involved in numerous productions utilizing his multi-talents as a vocalist, actor, and musician. Career highlights include Tobias ("Sweeney Todd," National Tour), violinist ("Spring Awakening" National Tour), Dennis ("Sanders Family Christmas"), and "Naked Boys Singing."

Daniel Shevlin (Cellist/Arrangements) appeared off-Broadway in "The Sandbox" written and directed by Edward Albee, toured the U.S. and Asia in productions of "Rent" and "Cabaret" (Studio 54 version), and has worked regionally as both an actor and cellist in many theaters including the Arvada Center (CO), The Maltz-Jupiter Theatre (FL), Riverside Theatre (FL), Mason Street Warehouse (MI).

Trevor Wadleigh (Violist) is from Seattle and currently a member of The String Collective of New York. He has taught viola at the University of Puget Sound Community Music Community and is also a co-founder of the Puget Sound Animal Rescue.

Mark Cortale is the Producing Artistic Director of The Art House. In his inaugural season in 2011, he founded the Broadway @ The Art House series with Seth Rudetsky, which this summer of 2013 will present Broadway superstars Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, Megan Hilty (of TV’s “Smash”), Megan Mullally (of TV’s “Will & Grace”), Christine Ebersole, Joanna Gleason, Sam Harris and Marilyn Maye in addition to other national-level music and comedy programming. He is currently producing Seth Rudetsky’s new reality series and other Broadway-themed entertainment that can be seen at www.SethTV.com. He also co-wrote and produced Well-Strung’s runs this past winter and fall at New York’s Marjorie S. Deane Theater. Mark produced the feature film "Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads," which played the 2012 festival circuit with a screening at Frameline in San Francisco. Mark also premiered the Broadway @ series this season in New Orleans, in Australia with Megan Mullally, on London’s West End this month with Patti LuPone at Leister Square Theater, and will debut as well in Santa Monica, CA in fall of 2013.

Well-Strung is sponsored by the Anchor Inn Beach House, Ptown Bikes, Mussel Beach and SethTV.com

The Art House is wheelchair accessible. 

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts Announces 2013-2014 Season

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 59^th season of music, dance, theater, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn.  The outstanding line-up features performances from Jamaica, Russia, Canada, and China, as well as the United States, and includes both Brooklyn premieres and returning favorites.

"The 2013-2014 season at Brooklyn Center will take audiences from jazz to tap, comedy to drama, and musical theatre to family shows, with healthy doses of adventure and familiarity along the way," says Jon Yanofsky, the new Director of Brooklyn Center. "The dazzling array of performances will bring the Walt Whitman stage alive with great entertainment and inspiring arts and culture."  

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2013-2014 Season includes:

• Savion Glover's STePz
• ArtsPower National Touring Theatre's The Little Engine That Could™ Earns Her Whistle
• Steve Solomon in My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home for the Holidays
• Dance Theatre in Westchester's The Colonial Nutcracker
• An R&B Christmas featuring The Coasters, Charlie Thomas' Drifters, Blue Magic, and Shirley Alston Reeves
• СНЕГУРОЧКА (The Snow Maiden)
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
• Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
• Krasnoyarsk National Dance Company of Siberia
• The Beauty of Ballet (co-presented with the School of American Ballet)
• The Golden Dragon Acrobats in Cirque Ziva
• A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle
• Russian National Ballet Theatre's The Sleeping Beauty
• Jamaican jazz artist Monty Alexander in concert
• Sid the Science Kid - Live!
• Seventh Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration
• The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
• American Family Theater's The Wizard of Oz

Savion Glover's STePz

Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 8pm

From his Broadway debut at age 12 to his 1996 Tony Award for Best Choreography, Savion Glover has single-handedly revitalized and redefined the art of tap dancing.  In his latest production, STePz,this international superstar and his ensemble of dancers (TLHS) fuses traditional music selections of the past with Glover's self-proclaimed tap style and energy of the future.  Experience the infinite versatility and virtuosity of Savion Glover's genius as Brooklyn Center opens its 59^th season.

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

ArtsPower National Touring Theater's

The Little Engine That Could™ Earns Her Whistle

Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2pm

Little Blue Engine dreams of someday leaving the train yard to pull the big cars on the main line track.  But can she convince Big Silver that she is worthy of being a main line engine? ArtsPower's dynamic, song-filled adventure portrays Watty Piper's timeless tale about hard work, determination, and the meaning of true friendship.  A Target Storybook Series presentation for ages four and up.

Tickets: $7

Steve Solomon in

My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home for the Holidays

Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 3pm

Peace on Earth? Joy to the World? Not with this dysfunctional family!  In the sequel to his Off-Broadway hit comedy My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in Therapy!, master comedian Steve Solomon returns to Brooklyn to regale us with stories of Christmases and Hanukkahs past, complete with bickering parents, motherly guilt trips, and teenage daughter drama.  Honest and hilarious, this one man tour-de-force yields an afternoon full of side-splitting laughter!

Tickets: $30

The Colonial Nutcracker

Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2pm

An annual holiday favorite, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs its family-friendly, full-length version of Tchaikovsky's ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown, complete with a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and simultaneous narration to help young audience members enjoy this timeless classic. Recommended for ages four and up.

Tickets: $10

An R&B Christmas

Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 8pm

Celebrate the holidays with this concert of chart-topping R&B artists as they perform their biggest hits, as well as some Christmas favorites!  You'll enjoy the tight harmonies and smooth vocals of Charlie Thomas' Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk," "Up on the Roof"), The Coasters ("Yakety Yak," "Poison Ivy"), Blue Magic featuring original lead singer Ted "Wizard" Mills ("Side Show"), and Shirley Alston Reeves, original lead singer of The Shirelles ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow").

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

СНЕГУРОЧКА (The Snow Maiden)

Presented in association with Anton Krylov

Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 4pm

Enjoy this magical Christmas musical in which a worthy young girl is transformed by Grandfather Frost (the Russian Santa Claus) into the beautiful Snow Maiden. Traditional Russian songs, dances and elaborate costumes create a winter wonderland in this delightful children's extravaganza.  Performed in Russian with English subtitles. Recommended for ages six and up.

Tickets: $35-$50

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 2pm

Have you ever had a really rotten day?  Alexander has.  There's no dessert for lunch, there's lima beans for dinner, and worst of all, there's kissing on television.  It's enough to make you want to move to Australia!  Laugh and sing along with Alexander's misadventures in this hilarious musical, featuring book and lyrics by best-selling author Judith Viorst.  A Target Storybook Series presentation for ages four and up.

Tickets: $7

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company's

Lunar New Year Celebration

Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 3pm

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with this colorful performance that weaves the grace and splendor of traditional Chinese arts with the contemporary freedom of American modern dance.  Recipient of China's prestigious Golden Lotus Award, choreographer Nai-Ni Chen and her company will take you on a visually delightful, culturally rich tour of this dynamic 3,000-year-old civilization.

Tickets: $30

Krasnoyarsk National Dance Company of Siberia

Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 8pm

Like a Russian fairy tale come to life, this company of 55 dancers and musicians incorporates colorful folkloric costumes, thrilling choreography, and an orchestra of national folk instruments as it celebrates the rich cultural heritage of its native Siberia.

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

In collaboration with the School of American Ballet

The Beauty of Ballet

Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 2pm

Join students and faculty of the world-famous School of American Ballet (the official academy of New York City Ballet) in this program illustrating the process by which talented youngsters develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers. Your children will watch a "class" where training exercises and steps are demonstrated, and also enjoy excerpts from famous ballets. A free event recommended for ages four and up. General admission, no tickets issued.

Cirque Ziva

Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 3pm

Performed by the internationally-celebrated Golden Dragon Acrobats, this fast-paced, technically-innovative performance showcases traditional Chinese acrobatics, dance and costumes, ancient and contemporary music and modern theatrical techniques.  The renowned acrobats dazzle with amazing feats of athleticism, daring heart-stopping stunts and the grace of their centuries old art form.

Tickets: $35

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's

A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle

Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 2pm

The Little Caterpillar with the big appetite returns to Brooklyn!  Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry, this triple-bill brings to life three of Eric Carle's most beloved tales: The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; and Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me. A Target Storybook Series presentation for ages four and up.

Tickets: $7

Russian National Ballet Theatre's

The Sleeping Beauty

Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 3pm

With its fairy tale story and sumptuous score by Tchaikovsky, The Sleeping Beauty is undoubtedly one of the most popular full-length ballets of all time.  Under the artistic direction of legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Elena Radchenko, this internationally-acclaimed company recreates Petipa's masterful choreography in a lavish production.

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

Monty Alexander in concert

Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 8pm

From Sinatra to Ska, Jamaican jazz virtuoso Monty Alexander has played it all.  Equally at home with classic American jazz and with the infectious rhythms of the West Indies, his trio blends the two to create a singular style unlike any other.  With a career that spans five decades and more than 70 albums, this Grammy-nominated pianist brings his swinging interpretations of the classics to the Walt Whitman stage.

Tickets: $40 orchestra, $30 mezzanine

Sid the Science Kid - Live!

Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 2pm

In this new musical adventure based on the popular PBS Kids series, Sid and his friends set off on a day of scientific exploration, asking curious questions and discovering why things work the way they do. Full of audience participation, great music, and content based in national science learning standards, Sid the Science Kid - Live! will have your kids laughing and learning at the same time! A Target Storybook Series presentation for ages four and up.

Tickets: $10

Seventh Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration

Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 3pm

Children and adults alike will enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and street performers at this free community festival, where interactive family activities highlight the need for creating a more sustainable future and caring for the earth.

General admission, no tickets issued.

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents

A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 3pm

Dubbed "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in America for more than half a century. This special tribute concert, performed by the 17-member Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra featuring vocalist Kim Nazarian, will include original arrangements pulled from the Smithsonian and Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation archives, many of which haven't been heard by live audiences for over 40 years.

Tickets: $35

The Wizard of Oz

Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 2pm

American Family Theater, one of the nation's leading producers of musicals for young audiences, presents everyone's perennial favorite story about Dorothy's adventures over the rainbow as she follows the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion towards the Emerald City and the mysterious Wizard who can help her get home.  A Target Storybook Series presentation for ages four and up.

Tickets: $7

Multibuy (three or four shows) and Megabuy packages (five or more shows) save up to 15% off individual ticket prices (not applicable to The Colonial Nutcracker, The Snow Maiden, Sid the Science Kid - Live!, or Target Storybook Series shows).  Discounts available for seniors, students, Brooklyn College faculty/staff/alumni, and groups.  $10 student rush tickets available day-of-show.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College

Founded in 1954, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents outstanding performing arts and arts education programs at affordable prices, embracing the diverse communities that define Brooklyn.  Brooklyn Center welcomes over 65,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series.

           

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College

2/5 trains to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue

Online orders:  www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org

Box Office:  (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm - 6pm
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600 x3331        

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are supported, in part, by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.  Major support for the 2013-2014 season is provided by: Brooklyn College; Target; Con Edison; TD Bank; National Grid; Macy's Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; TD Charitable Foundation; the Herman Goldman Foundation; and The Harkness Foundation for Dance.  Additional support provided by CNG Publications and The Brooklyn Eagle.  The Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center's 2013-2014 season.  Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges generous support from New York State Assemblywomen Rhoda Jacobs and Helene E. Weinstein, New York City Councilman Albert Vann and the Department of Youth & Community Development, New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.

Metropolitan Room Celebrates Broadcast Legend Joe Franklin in an Irreverent Evening of Reverence

Joe Franklin, who invented the television talk show format in 1950, relives some of the magic of the Golden Age of Television in a unique stage show at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street.  For one night only, on Saturday, July 20 at 7pm, this special live edition of “The Joe Franklin Show” features Vince Giordano, Peter Mintun, Christine Pedi, and Bronwyn Rucker, with appearances by several surprise celebrity guests.

With the help of his friends, including Giordano leading a trio, and Mintun on piano, Franklin will recreate some of the classic moments in his seven-decade career. He interviewed the biggest to the most obscure -- everyone from Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Milton Berle, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and he is credited with having given first exposure to countless future stars like Woody Allen, Barbra Streisand, John Travolta and Julia Roberts. 

Starting first on WJZ-TV (later WABC-TV) in 1950, and later on WOR-TV in an incredible, record-setting run from 1962 to 1993, Frankin holds the Guiness Book of World Records for Longest Continuous Talk Show Host. He is estimated to have conducted over 300,000 individual interviews.

For the past decade he has provided the Bloomberg Radio Network with a weekly supply of new celebrity interviews. Whereas many Americans have a hard time remembering five presidents, Franklin interviewed five real ones.

During the show, Franklin will also allow the tables to be turned as he is subjected to probing questioning by the Metropolitan Room’s own Bernie Furshpan, a noted comedy and music producer, chiropractor and the Met Room’s talent booker.

This unique celebration of the Golden Age of Television and Beyond is produced by Furshpan and Steve Garrin. All paid attendees receive a complimentary autographed copy of Joe Franklin’s latest showbiz trivia book.

There is a $25 cover charge and two-drink minimum for this special edition of “The Joe Franklin Show,” hosted by the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22^nd Street.  The Metropolitan Room keeps kids off the streets and adults from spending too much time watching television.  For more information visit www.metropolitanroom.com or call 212-206-0440.

News Roundup - Snoo Wilson, Puppets, and a new podcast

New Jersey artists featured in this year's New York Musical Theatre Festival.

American Ballet Theater presents Sleeping Beauty.

Playwright Snoo Wilson dies at 64.

Today in theatre history.

A look at this summer's regional theatre and festival offerings.

Puppets take Long Island.

Awards recognize top high school theatre talent.

Glee's Jonathan Groff and Darren Criss teach at Young Actors' Theatre Camp.

New podcast, The Ensemblist, features the lives of ensemble players.

Teaching a love of theatre to young people.

A new theatre in East Texas (my old stomping grounds).

More about the new opera, Champion, based on the life of gay boxer Emile Griffith.

An inside look at TKTS.

Silence! The Musical ends Off-Broadway run.

News Roundup - Little Miss Sunshine, Mad Men, and one dedicated usher

Batman '66 launches.  DC Comics does a retrospective of the highlights of '66 including "It's a Bird!  It's a Plane! It's Superman!" which opened that year.

Julee Antonellis and Petey Gibson of Boston's All the King's Men and The Gibson/Antonellis Comedy Hour named to AfterEllen's list of 50 Hot Women in Comedy.

NYC Restaurant Week starts July 22nd.  Save on dinner at a great restaurant before catching a play.

More casting news on the upcoming musical version of Little Miss Sunshine.

How you doin'?  Wendy Williams makes her Chicago debut as the latest Mama Morton.

Mad Men star Rich Sommer and castmates celebrate the opening of The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin.

Jan Maxwell talks about the joy of performing in rep.

Where to go for free outdoor theatre in New York City.

Someone who doesn't really seem to like Broadway theatre nonetheless recommends seeing some shows.

Willem Dafoe appears in the Manchester International Festival.

Ellie Chamberlain Galidas dies.  Founded Washington's Summer Shakespeare Festival.

Actress Gia Carides stars in Beached, a black comedy about an obese teenager who goes on a reality TV show in return for free gastric bypass surgery.

When I grow up, I want to be this lady.

Profile of playwright Sharr White.