Music
Album Release: Luba Mason, Jaime Lozano & The Familia: Songs by an Immigrant, THANKFUL and Multi-GRAMMY®-nominated Ryan Shaw
With her last album, Mixtura, vocalist and Broadway star Luba Mason (Girl From the North Country, Chicago, How to Succeed, Jekyll & Hyde) established her own musical genre, a “blend of different musical currents” that draws upon a staggeringly eclectic palette of influences and approaches. Her breathtaking new release, Triangle, carries the concept forward with a wholly unique, spare yet vibrant new line-up. Captured before an intimate gathering of invited friends, family and fans at Manhattan’s renowned Power Station studio, the album features an unprecedented trio of vocals, vibraphone and bass featuring master musicians Joe Locke and James Genus and produced by longtime Prince collaborator Renato Neto (who was Keyboardist in Prince’s New Power Generation band for a decade). Triangle is currently available for pre-order at Amazon, iTunes, Apple Music and will be available to stream on all platforms including Spotify. To pre-order and for more info people can also visit: www.bluecanoerecords.com/triangle
Due out October 23, 2020 via Blue Canoe Records, Triangle exemplifies the passion for fresh perspectives and unexpected choices that led Mason to trademark the “Mixtura” name. The material is jaw-droppingly diverse: from pop classics by the Beatles and Paul Simon to a Monk standard, a Slovak folk song and a recent Broadway hit, and surely the first time that Brazilian legend Antonio Carlos Jobim and heavy metal band System of a Down have been represented in the same repertoire. Add to that the surprising instrumentation and you have a collection that is absolutely gorgeous in its unfamiliarity while remaining vividly engaging.
Most recently Mason learned to play the drums for her role in Conor McPherson’s Girl From the North Country, a Broadway musical based on the songs of Bob Dylan that achieved critical acclaim before going on hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic. She’s also made the transition from stage to screen, guest starring in episodes of shows like Law & Order and Person of Interest and co-starring with her husband, the Panamanian musician, actor and activist Rubén Blades, in Tonya Pinkins’ upcoming political horror film Red Pill.
“Jaime Lozano & The Familia: Songs by an Immigrant”. Heralded the “next big thing” on Broadway by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lozano’s new album will feature an eclectic collaboration of musical theatre, jazz, Mexican folklore, Tex-Mex, and Latin musicians and performers, with songs and stories about the immigrant experience, finding a new home, learning a new language, dealing with discrimination, trying to fit in, pursuing the American dream, being in love, and missing their native land. The album will also feature original liner notes from Lin-Manuel Miranda has been released to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. A song from the album was also featured at ¡Viva Broadway! Hear Our Voices, a digital celebration of Latinx talent.
“If dreams had a soundtrack, one of my best dreams would sound exactly like this album,” says Lozano. “The Familia is this group of people from around the world, getting together now to tell our own stories. We are all immigrants in this world, and we need to stand together. I feel so honored and proud to have these amazing musicians and performers join The Familia.”
The album features collaborations with Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton’s multi award-winning orchestrator and music producer), Ana Isabelle (Spielberg’s West Side Story), Antonio Sánchez (Mexican-American multi award jazz drummer), Bobby Pulido (Tex-Mex Billboard artist), Gaby Moreno (Grammy nominee, Latin Grammy winner), Florencia Cuenca (A Never-Ending Line), Jorge Glem (Venezuelan cuatro player Latin Grammy winner), Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton), Marcial Istúriz (Venezuelan salsa singer Latin Grammy nominee), Marina Pires (The Heartstring Project), Mauricio Martínez (On Your Feet!), Migguel Anggelo (LatinXo), Mireya Ramos (from Latin Grammy Award winner female mariachi Flor de Toloache), Raul Midón (2 time Grammy nominee), among others, as well as an eclectic group of musicians from all over the world and music genres.
The album is produced by Lozano and his long-time collaborators Demián Cantú and Jesús Altamira, with associate producer Victoria Kühne. Arrangements and orchestrations are by Lozano and Altamira with vocal arrangements by Roke MD. The album is edited, mixed and mastered by Demián Cantú, and illustration cover art is by Martha Orendain. Lozano’s writing partners for the upcoming album include David Davila, Jorge “Georgie” Castilla, Marina Pires, Mark-Eugene Garcia, Migguel Anggelo, Neena Beber and Noemi de la Puente.
A portion of proceeds generated from sales of the album will benefit R.Evolución Latina. R.Evolución Latina, is led by founder/director Luis Salgado and co-directors Denisse Ambert, Heather Hogan and Gabriela García. It is an organization that activates individual and collective human growth through artistic experiences for transformation and social change. A Revolution of Evolution, Making a difference through the Arts. To learn more, visit www.revolucionlatina.org.
Jerad Bortz and Steven Skeels today announced that THANKFUL: A Benefit Album for Jerad Bortz will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, October 23 on iTunes. The album will officially be released on Friday, November 27.
Executive and lead producer Lynn Pinto of Rock-It Science Records is well-known in the Broadway Community both as a performer and for creating and producing each of the 21 volumes of the annual holiday album, “Broadway’s Carols for a Cure” which benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Since 1999, “Broadway’s Carols For A Cure” has captured original recordings by almost every cast on Broadway. In addition, she has produced several other albums in various genres including Off-Broadway, Pop & Cabaret.
The album is co-produced by Steven Skeels, THANKFUL presents 22 original songs written by Skeels and features an impressive lineup of singers, arrangers, orchestrators and musicians. All participants donated their time and award-winning skills to help raise funds for Jerad’s ongoing medical needs, and a portion of proceeds will go to The Actors Fund of America and Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). The organizations supported Bortz after a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the chest down.
It has just been revealed that the next single from multi-GRAMMY®-nominated vocal powerhouse RyanShaw’s forthcoming album IMAGINING MARVIN will be a duet with GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter and pop superstar Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty). “Love In Pain” is co-written by Shaw, Thomas and Derek Fuhrmann. Thomas and Shaw are both signed to Round Hill Music for publishing with Thomas just joining that roster. “Love In Pain” is the result of their first writing session together. Click here to access the single cover.
In addition to Rob Thomas, IMAGINING MARVIN also features a stellar array of guests. Joining Shaw on the album are guitar legends Robert Randolph and Derek Trucks, who each have been honored with multiple GRAMMY nominations (10 collectively for Randolph and 7 collectively for Trucks). Trucks has garnered three GRAMMY Award wins. Lending their respective unique playing styles to the mix, Derek Trucks can be heard on “Love In Pain,” while Randolph is featured on another Shaw original “Get Home”. Also appearing on the album is Broadway star and recording artist Shoshana Bean, known for starring turns in “Waitress” and “Wicked”. Bean duets with Shaw on the classic Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet, “Good Lovin’ Ain’t Easy To Come By,” written by Valerie Simpson and Nick Ashford. The tracks on the album are a combination of Shaw’s renditions of some of Marvin Gaye’s best-loved hits as well as original material. Please see below for the track listing.
Of the album’s unsurpassed guests, Ryan Shaw commented, “I get by with a little help from my friends” are the words that come to mind when I think about all the guests on this new record. They are all connected to me in a special way. Robert Randolph and the Family Band was the first tour I did when I signed to Columbia Records back in 2006. Robert is a masterful musician and has a great heart. Derek Trucks was the third and fifth tour I did in those days…he is also a master at his craft, we hit it off right away. He invited me back on stage to jam with his band after I did my set. It created some of my most memorable nights of performing live. To now have him on this record is humbling and nostalgic for me.
What can I say about Shoshana Bean? Whatever is said about her usually follows the words “amazing” or “beast,” which would make everything after that true. Shoshana and I have been talking about collaborating for years now and it’s finally here. I couldn’t be more happy. And my new good friend, Rob Thomas, is the best at what he does in both performance and writing. He is a brilliant collaborator, as he absorbs music and comes back with many variations of an idea so you never feel trapped or gridlocked or at a dead end during the session. I’m thankful that Rob not only lent his pen, but his voice to this project. As I said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”
In other news, Ryan Shaw is confirmed to appear in a very special livestream performance event, Live From Daryl’s House Club, on Wednesday, December 2nd, just days following the release of IMAGINING MARVIN. Live From Daryl’s House Club stems from the iconic concert series hosted by pop legend Daryl Hall (one half of Hall & Oates). For ticketing and more information, please click here.
IMAGINING MARVIN is set for a November 27th release via Shaw’s own FORM (Fans Of Real Music) Records and Broadway Records. Inspired by one of Shaw’s idols, Marvin Gaye, IMAGINING MARVIN is the powerful new project that originally premiered live in New York City in 2019 to a sold-out crowd. Showcasing Shaw’s soaring and impassioned vocals, the album features numerous Marvin Gaye hits alongside five of Shaw’s original songs; the latter inspired by Gaye’s legacy. Click here to access the IMAGINING MARVIN cover art. Click here to pre-order the album.
The first single from the album recently had its worldwide premiere via Soul Tracks. “Strong Men Can” is co-written by Shaw and iconic songwriter, Valerie Simpson (who with her late husband/partner, Nick Ashford, is responsible for some of Marvin Gaye’s biggest hits; Gaye is the inspiration behind IMAGINING MARVIN). The heartfelt ballad encourages emotional vulnerability in men and supports good mental health via such expression. “Strong Men Can” can be purchased here; click here to access the single art.
Ryan Shaw has received widespread critical acclaim over the course of his career with an abundance of accolades. Of Shaw’s incredible vocal prowess, The Los Angeles Times declared, “Prepare to have your soul rocked…”, while Billboard deemed him “a massive talent with a huge voice.” The Washington Post avowed, “So big and rangy, that voice. So churchy and unmistakenly Southern. So full of fire and conviction, exploding with emotion.”
Ryan Shaw is a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist. He recently appeared as Judas at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in the U.S. premiere of the critically acclaimed London/Regent’s Park’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which won the Olivier for Best Musical Revival. He starred as the original Stevie Wonder in Motown: The Musical on Broadway, and on London’s West End as the Soul of Michael Jackson in Thriller Live. As a recording artist, Shaw has released three solo GRAMMY-nominated projects to date: 2008’s THIS IS RYAN SHAW, 2011’s IT GETS BETTER, and 2014’s REAL LOVE. He has toured the world and shared the stage with such artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, Joss Stone, John Legend, B.B. King, Bruce Hornsby and Jill Scott, to name a few. On television, Ryan has been a guest artist on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen’s Really Big Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and The Martha Stewart Show. His music has been featured in television on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance and ABC’s Dancing withThe Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, and Lincoln Heights, as well as in films My Blueberry Nights and Bride Wars and the Sex and the City soundtrack.
As a concert soloist, Shaw made his Radio City Music Hall debut at the Dream Concert benefit to build the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. His Carnegie Hall appearances include Elton John and Bernie Taupin Tribute, A Celebration of The African American CulturalLegacy, curated by Jessye Norman, and a recent Nat King Cole centennial concert with the New York Pops. His concert schedule also includes Nat King Cole at 100 with the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center, and A Tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin with numerous major orchestras throughout North America. Shaw continues to be a return featured special guest with the Houston Symphony, as well as performing with the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Philly Pops, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Utah Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Helena Symphony, Mississippi Symphony, Anchorage Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic and numerous others.
Oscar and Grammy winner Melissa Etheridge’s autobiographical musical My Window is an informative, riveting, raw, intimate and musically thrilling alsmost 3 hours of entertainment. With 22 albums to her name, Etheridge is a female rock goddess and is on par with Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Ann Wilson, Grace Slick, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry and the incomparable Janis Joplin.
I originally saw this show when it opened at New World Stages almost a year ago and Etheridge’s theatrical solo show has only gotten better and tighter. She invites theatergoers into an exhilarating evening of storytelling and music. Starting with her birth, we learn about her childhood in Kansas, groundbreaking career highlights, coming out, her lovers, the drugs she has taken, her spiritual journey, her wives, her kids, cancer and what makes Melissa who she is. She is charming, revealing, illuminating as she bares her heart & soul to all who attend.
Photo by Jenny Anderson
In between learning about this bluesy warrior are her confessional lyrics, the raspy, smoky vocals and classics numbers like “Like The Way I Do,” “Twisted Off To Paradise,”“I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over”.
Photo by Jenny Anderson
Winning a tiny trophy gave way to winning a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocalist in 1998 and again in 1995. Before that in 1993 Etheridge came out publicly, early on in her career. In 2005 Etheridge took the Grammy stage after having cancer to join in a tribute to Janis Joplin. She appeared hairless. Etheridge also won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2007 for “I Need To Wake Up” for the film “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Photo by Jenny Anderson
It turns out Etheridge has always loved musical theatre, as she treated us to a wonderful rendition of “On Broadway.” She did make her Broadway debut in a weeklong stint as St. Jimmy in Green Day’s American Idiot in 2011, but she doesn’t talk about that.
Melissa Etheridge My Window, is wonderfully is written by Etheridge with additional material by Linda Wallem-Etheridge (“Nurse Jackie” showrunner, “That ’70s Show”). The direction by Amy Tinkham is succent and well done.
Everything about this production is well done from the scenic design by Bruce Rodgers, lighting design by Abigail Rosen Holmes, fabulous projection design by Olivia Sebesky and the sound design by Shannon Salmon, which keeps this show clear and clean.
Kate Owens is hysterical as the Roadie/ Stage Manager. This little girl is a star in the making with her rubber face and facial expressions galore. She adds to this show immensely and I definitely want to see more of what she can do.
This is a must see show for anyone LGBTQIA. The message is positive and life affirming. This is a women who owns her talent, charisma and choices, which makes this a joy to watch.
Photo by Jenny Anderson
Melissa Etheridge My Window: Circle In The Square, 235 West 50th Street. Closes November 19th.
G.H. Harding
JESSE L MARTIN — We caught the debut of Jesse L. Martin’s The Irrational Monday night and really enjoyed it. I’ve been aware of Jesse since his role in Broadway’s Rent and he’s really tremendous. He was great on Law & Order as Ed Green (10 years and 9 seasons); and his role on the CW’s The Flash (as Joe West) was simply terrific.
The show, based on the book by Dan Ariely and created by Arika Mittman, certainly reminds one of The Mentalist or Instinct. This first case isn’t wondrous by any means, but Martin’s charisma carries it all through.
Lauren Holly (NCIS) is in it too, thought her one-scene was over and out in a flash.
I hear the third episode of the show is magnificent, so stay tuned. Don Johnson said many years ago that Don Johnson was made for TV … so is Martin!
Will Swenson and Neil Diamond
SWENSON OUT — (per Deadline) Will Swenson will play his final performance as Neil Diamond in Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical on Sunday, Oct. 29, producers announced today.
A replacement for the starring role will be announced at a future date.
“It’s been the thrill of a lifetime to get to stand in Neil’s shoes,” Swenson said in a statement. “It’s been such an incredible honor to get to know Neil, to tell his powerful story, and bring his amazing songs to Broadway audiences every night. I’m immensely proud of the moving, beautiful show we made. I will miss it very much.”
A reason for Swenson’s departure was not disclosed, but his planned departure date suggests a year-long contract coming to a close: He and the bio-musical began previews at the Broadhurst Theatre last Nov. 2 (official opening was Dec. 4).
“Making A Beautiful Noise with Will Swenson was a deep and wonderful experience,” said director Michael Mayer. “The true affection he has for Neil’s work and life is palpable in every aspect of his tremendous performance. I will miss him terribly, of course, but will always treasure our time together, and very much look forward to the next show we do.”
Swenson has been one of Broadway’s go-to leading men since his breakthrough performance in 2009’s Hair, and he has since starred on the New York stage in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Little Miss Sunshine, Waitress and Assassins, among many other shows.
In addition to Swenson, the cast of A Beautiful Noise features a principal cast of Mark Jacoby as the aged Neil Diamond, Robyn Hurder and Shirine Babb.
The musical includes a score of Diamond’s hits, a book by Anthony McCarten, direction by Mayer, and choreography by Steven Hoggett.
He’s pretty tremendous as Diamond. I didn’t see the show straight away, but absolutely loved it when I did. His exit of kind of short notice … but let’s see what happens.
SHORT TAKES — How about those snappy new graphics for NBC’s Today Show. Introduced a week ago, they certainly look more relevant and certainly more fun. They did the same for Nightly News a week ago. Per TVNewser:The network said the decision to unveil a new logo and graphics for Nightly was made as a way of appealing to younger viewers who primarily consume news using digital media. It’s safe to assume is true for Today, the youngest-skewing of the linear morning shows that boasts a robust digital presence. Here’s their whole story:
The Rolling Stones
The next Rolling Stones single, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” is tremendous. Mick hasn’t sounded this good in years and Lady Gaga is an added treat. Magnificent! Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEJd5xtbEPY …
Donnie Kehr
Donnie Kehr and Cori Gardner’s Rockers On Broadway (their 30th edition) is coming up on Monday, October 16 at SONY Hall.
Debbie Gibson
Joining honoree Melissa Etheridge will be KT Tunstall and Debbie Gibson, Simon Kirke, Dan Finnerty and Ty Taylor … Happy Bday Chuck Taylor!
NAMES IN THE NEWS –— Anthony Noto; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Paul Lester; Ian Harrison; Magda Katz; Pete Townshend; Miko Blanco; Brad LeBeau; Mal Evans; Derek Taylor; Andrew Sandoval; Rick Rubin; Bill Adler; Cory Robbins; Manny Bella; Race Taylor; Scott Shannon; Buddy Blanch; Steve Walter; Benny Harrison; and BELLA!
This is a beat you want to hear!
International music sensation Fally Ipupa has set out to conquer the American music market with the captivating sounds of Congolese music. Rising to prominence since his debut solo album Droit Chemin in 2006, the gold hitmaker reflects on his ignited sensibility to change the face of the American music industry while visiting New York.
“It is really just the beginning of a wonderful journey,” states the renowned artist. “The sounds and beats of the Congo will open doors and unify the planet.”
With millions of fans around the globe and billions of online and social media impressions, the king of the Congo music world has achieved legendary status and sells out stadium-size concerts in countries from Europe, the United Kingdom to all of Africa.
Already a household name across the African continent, Ipupa is an award-winning luminary with acclaim for his distinctive blend of Congolese rumba, modern Afro-pop, and soukous. Now the visionary performer ambitiously has produced an electrifying campaign to ignite the global stage with his unique style and sensational vocals that has led to such mesmerizing hits as “Eloko Oyo,” “Original,” and “Sweet Life.” Prior to his evolving solo career as a performer, producer, and business entrepreneur, he played an instrumental role in the band Quartier Latin International. Ipupa has collectively won the Kora Awards for Best Artist or Group from Central Africa. He also has multiple nominations and titles including the MTV Africa Award for best video, and artist of the year. The singer has been nominated multiple times also for the BET Best International Act and he has won two AFRIMMA Awards at the 2023 ceremony in Dallas, Texas.
The hitmaker’s latest album Formule 7 topped charts and the rumba maestro continues to successfully blend African music with Congolese sounds and international beats. Creating lyrics in French, as well as his native language, Lingala, he masterfully expresses the beautiful culture to growing American fans with love lyrics and thrilling dance beats.
The popularity of the beloved international performer is more than ever attractive across the Atlantic and he is deeply appreciated for the music as much as his business skills and highly acclaimed work as a philanthropist. In partnerships with UNESCO, UNDP, and UNICEF, he serves as an ambassador to support the fight for women and children’s rights. Since 2017, Ipupa has collaborated with UNICEF in the fight against malnutrition and to aid in providing clean water.
His performances world-wide help bring light to his philanthropic mission and keep the connection between his fans and him through his music. The next rendezvous with his European and African fans will be in November 25th, at the U-Arena, Paris where Fally Ipupa is expecting an audience of 43,000 people to sing with him, before heading to play at OVO Arena, London on December 8th.
The question would be, what to pick to go see, out of the multitude of offerings. Here are our picks for October
92 Street Y: 1395 Lexington Ave. 10/1: Dr. Jane Goodall in Conversation with David Rubenstein; 10/4: Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis: Martha Stewart; 10/9: “Gutenberg! The Musical!”: Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells in Conversation with MTV’s Josh Horowitz; 10/10: Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conversation: BE USEFUL: Seven Tools for Life; 10/12: Audra McDonald: Musings through Music with Andy Einhorn and 10/28 – 30: Tale as Old as Time: The Songs of Howard Ashman
Birdland Jazz: 315 West 44 St. Every Monday at 9:30pm Jim Caruso’s Cast Party; Every Tuesday at 8:30pm The Lineup with Susie Mosher; Every Saturday at 7pm Eric Comstock with Sean Smith (Bass) & special guest Barbara Fasano (Voice); 10/2: A Collective Cy Jeff Harner sings Cy Coleman; 10/9: The Unprecedented Amanda Green & Friends; 10/16: Maude Maggart: “Here Come The Dreamers” and 10/23: Jamie deRoy and Friends and 10/26 -28: Karrin Allyson: “Brazilian Nights And Beyond” Feat. Vitor Goncalves, Rafael Barata & Harvie S.
Cafe Carlyle: 35 E 76th St. 10/3-7: Peter Cincotti; 10/11 -14: Patina Miller; 10/17 – 28 John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey and 10/31 – 11/8: Steve Tyrell
Hailey Kilgore by Tom Lupton, Derek Klena by Jenny Anderson, Javier Muñoz by Chad Griffith, Ali Stroker by Jenny Anderson
Carnegie Hall: 881 7th Ave at 57th St. 10/2: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band; 10/18: A Very Good+ Night of Comedy with Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer & Ronny Chieng
Special Guest D-Nice and 10/27: The New York Pops with Hailey Kilgore, Derek Klena, Javier Muñoz and Ali Stroker
Chelsea Table + Stage: Hilton Fashion District Hotel, 152 W 26th St. 10/20: Marieann Meringolo
Don’t Tell Mama: 343 W. 46 St. 10/28: Quinn Lemley
Dizzys Club Coca Cola: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street. 10/1: Songbook Sundays: Harold Arlen
The DJango: 2 Avenue of the Americas.
54 Below: 254 West 54 St. 10/2 The New York Pops Underground; 10/2, 17, 28 and 30: Norbert Leo Butz Sings Torch Songs for a Pandemic; 10/3, 7 and 11 Linda Eder; 10/5 -6 Mauricio Martínez: 5’11” Based in NYC, feat. Linedy Genao & more!; 10/8: Little By Little Reunion Concert, feat. Darrin Baker, Liz Larsen, and Christiane Noll; 10/12: Lee Roy Reams: Uncensored! For Adults Only!’ 10/14 -16 and 23 -25 and 30: Marilyn Maye; 10/20 – 21: Lorna Luft; 10/22: A Gentleman’s Guide 10th Anniversary Celebration and 10/ 26 -28: Jai Rodriguez: A Thousand Sweet Kisses
The Green Room 42: 570 10th Ave. 10/9: Natalie Joy Johnson; 10/11 – 12, 14 -15: Candace Bushnell; 10/15: Reeve Carney; 10/17: Spencer Day; 10/19 Mamie Paris and 10/24: Dawn Derow and Sean Harkness
Sony Hall: 235 W. 46th St. 10/4:Daniel Nardicio presents Witch Perfect An all live-singing parody of Disney’s Hocus Pocus feat. Emmy-winning stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race: Scarlet Envy, Tina Burner & Alexis Michelle and 10/16: Rockers on Broadway 30th Anniversary
Theatre at the West Bank Café: 407 West 42 St. 10/14 and 28: Mark Nadler – CRAZY
The Triad: 158 W. 72 St. 
The Town Hall: 123 West 43rd Street. 10/10: A Not That Fancy Conversation and Performance with Reba Mcentire and 10/11: Alec Baldwin’s Here’s The Thing Live With Michael Wolff
G.H. Harding
STRIKE UPDATE — As we went to press on Sunday, a tentative agreement had been worked out between the AMPTPand the WGA. Of course, it now has to be ratified. Per TV Line: Once the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed on the Writer’s Guild of American’s tentative new deal with the AMPTP, the words “Live, from New York!” might symbolically signal the end of the WGA strike, which spanned a near-historic 146 days.
“We have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2023 MBA (Minimum Basic Agreement),” the WGA posted in a message to its members late Sunday night, “which is to say an agreement in principle on all deal points, subject to drafting final contract language.” The tentative deal now needs to be “papered,” and formally recommended by the WGA negotiating committee to the WGA Board and Council for approval, and then ratified by WGA membership — a process that could take up to two weeks.
The actor’s strike persists and from our sources we hear it’s still a tough go. But not to minimize anything, this is a step in the right direction.
David McCallum
McCALLUM PASSES AT 90 – David McCallum -along with Robert Vaughn- were two of the coolest dudes on TV, ever. Vaughn passed in 2016 and McCallum passed on Monday. Starring as Illya Kuryakin, he literally electrified the screen. I’m an Man From U.N.C.L.E. fan, always have been and per Jon Heitland’s terrific The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Book: Behind the Scenes Story of a Televison Classic (1987) it turns out that McCallum was literally the key to its success. Not only did he become quite the chick magnet, but viewers just loved the character.
Man From U.N.C.L.E.
McCallum was also ‘Ducky’ on CBS’ NCIS and certainly was their secret weapon too. His character was everyone’s uncle (no pun intended) and possessed a rather quixotic, yet mesmerizing ambiance on the show. Part-doctor, part-therapist, part spy.
Michael Weatherly, also on the show for its greatest years, said “He made every second count.”
I’ll never forget the episode (Meat Puzzle in 2005) when Kate asked Gibbs what Ducky would have looked like as a younger man. Gibbs answers Illya Kuryakin, too funny.
Actually, with Harmon long-gone from his role on NCIS, McCallum, in my opinion, was the glue that still held it together. Huge loss for sure.
Here’s a great look at McCallum’s storied career from Deadline: https://deadline.com/2023/09/david-mccallum-dead-ncis-actor-1235555770/
SHORT TAKES — I don’t know Robert Menendez, but with wild tales of cash stuffed in envelopes in jackets; gold bars; and kickbacks; it sounds like he’s had a pretty interesting run. As more than one has said, where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire. And there does seem to be a lot of smoke … Congratulations to Andrew Sandoval on his marriage to Natasha Rubin …
MIRAMAR, FL – APRIL 02: David Sanborn poses for portrait backstage during the Miramar Jazz Festival at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater on April 2, 2022 in Miramar, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, September 26, WBGO Studios launched As We Speak, a new podcast hosted by David Sanborn, who interviews major figures in the world of jazz. Kicking off the series are episodes with vocalists Kurt Elling and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Future guests include Sonny Rollins, Terri Lyne Carrington, John McLaughlin and Maria Schneider. The award-winning and influential saxophonist shows his interviewing chops with in-depth conversations with his fellow artists about their creative process and their singular journey in jazz …
MOJO Magazine
Micky Dolenz was interviewed by Mojo Magazine’s Ian Harrison from the U.K. Tuesday and heads to Houston Thursday for the Days of the Dead comic-con (https://www.daysofthedead.com/houston/) in Houston …
Benny Harrison
Look for keyboard-man Benny Harrison to debut his forthcoming solo album Pages at the Bitter End. Harrison is interviewed for Medium today … Could The Office return to TV? Per items on Tuesday, a re-boot is almost guaranteed …
Netflix
Netflix is sending their last ever DVDs out this week in those red envelopes. The service ran for 25 years! My, we’ve come a long way … It looks like Robert DeNiro will not be playing off his scenes in Taxi Driver for his new Uber commercial after all. Take a read: https://deadline.com/2023/09/taxi-driver-commercial-featuring-robert-de-niro-draws-comment-from-paul-schrader-1235554798/… (Via Deadline) For the love of Maddie Hayes, look what’s coming to Hulu: Moonlighting. For the very first time, all 67 episodes of Moonlighting will be available to stream on the platform beginning October 10. Hulupromises that each episode of the 1980’s comedy starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd has been remastered in HD from the original film source. It even will feature the original Grammy-nominated title track recording from Al Jarreau … Happy Bday Melissa Davis.
NAMES IN THE NEWS — Bob Merlis; Brad LeBeau; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Jodi Ritzen; Dylan Ritzen; Jane Blunkell; Glenn Gretlund; Ian Harrison; Bert Schneider; Jason Elzy; Les Schwartz; Duane Blitzer; Jean Psaki; Chris Hayes; Randy Alexander; Lee Jeske; Chuck Pulin; Race Taylor; Tyrone Biljan; Robert Funaro; and CHIP!
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Food and Drink4 days ago
Ubah Hassan and Serafina Launch the Sizzling Hot Pizza of the Season
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Cabaret2 days ago
My View: Barrington Stage Co. on 42nd Street Oct. 30 For Its Gala at Green Room 42
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Off Broadway3 days ago
Meet Michel Wallerstein and Spencer Aste of Chasing Happy
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Celebrity4 days agoThe Glorious Corner
