Events
Conversations We Need To Have With Bruce Ostler and Kate Bussert on The 2021 Idea Awards and More Part 1
The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation announced the recipients of their 2021 Idea Awards for Theatre; three grants awarded to adventurous new voices in playwriting and musical theatre, as well the visionary playwrights who have inspired and blazed trails before them. T2C talked to Bruce Ostler about his creating the trophies for The Idea Awards for the Theatre recipients and Kate Bussert who works closely with Bruce. The conversation got real and it became the conversation we should all be having.
The 2021 Idea Awards gives three 2021 Tooth of Time Distinguished Career Awards. This year the award went to Jessica Hagedorn (Dog Eaters, Felix Starro), Cherríe Moraga (The Hungry Woman, Heroes and Saints), and OyamO (I Am a Man, The Resurrection of Lady Lester). Honoring accomplished playwrights who have created significant, idea-driven works throughout their career, the Tooth of Time Distinguished Career Award is given with a $20,000 prize for each recipient. Agyeiwaa Asante and Haruna Lee are the recipients of this year’s Ollie New Play Award. The 2021 Vivace Musical Theatre Awards will be awarded to Kirsten Childs (The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Bella: An American Tall Tale), the composer/lyricist team Jay Adana and Zeniba Now, and Troy Anthony. Recognizing original work with ambitious theatrical ideas, both awards are bestowed with a $30,000 prize. Each of the five artists will also receive a unique hand-carved marble statuette.
The 2021 Idea Awards for Theatre will be presented in a virtual ceremony streaming online at The Idea Awards YouTube Channel beginning Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 6PM EST. The free, virtual presentation ceremony will feature the winners in conversation with industry leaders of their choice, including Obie winning director Michael Greif, three-time Tony and Grammy nominated actor David Alan Grier, and Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Keith Glover. There will also be songs from all three Vivace Award winners, and Tony nominee Daniel J. Watts (Hamilton, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) will host.
Theatrical Agent Bret Adams and his partner Dr. Paul Reisch loved the theatre with great passion. As a theatrical agent, Bret shepherded the careers of many actors, writers and directors and designers, including Phylicia Rashad, Judy Kaye, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Sherman Helmsley, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Eve Arden, Christine Ebersole, Kathleen Marshall, Jayne Wyman, Andre DeShields, Kathy Bates, Susan H. Schulman, Jack Heifner, Philip McKinley and Robert Harling, among many others. After Bret and Paul’s passing, in 2006 and 2015 respectively, their eponymous foundation was created at their bequest. The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation champions visionary playwrights in their creation of expansive, illuminating, and idea-driven theatre. Embracing diversity in all its forms, The Foundation encourages artists with fresh perspectives – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds – to create idea-driven new plays and musicals reflecting on multivalent themes including science, history, philosophy, gender, race, politics, sexual orientation, technology, religion, money, global warming, and medicine, among others. Nominations for all threeawards are accepted exclusively from The Foundation’s Board of Artistic Advisors. For more information, visit www.BretnPaulFoundation.org.
“The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation created the ‘Idea Awards for Theatre’ to encourage expansive, idea-driven artworks with inherently theatrical ways of illuminating big ideas and concepts,” says Bruce Ostler, V.P. and Board Member of The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation. “This year, to address both the financial need throughout the theatre community, as well as the need for big, resonant stories, we are awarding 9 artists across our three categories: new plays, new musicals, and distinguished career. We hope these 9 writers, all of whom are diverse in form and in substance, will carry the torch back into the theatre and show us new ways of imagining.” “Jessica Hagedorn, Cherríe Moraga, and OyamO are writers who look, reach, see, and transform,” says Emily Morse, Artistic Director of New Dramatists and Advisory Board member, The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation. “They have built their inspiring literary legacies by giving voice to, and shedding light on the complex lives of the people around them who do not necessarily see themselves reflected back to them from the stage or the page. They build community through their work as artists and educators, and each in their own passionate and glorious way have blazed paths for others to travel. Because they see, they invite us to also see. For their vision, humanity, and their tenacity and commitment to story-telling at its finest, and to support them as they continue their work, we honor them with Tooth of Time Awards.” “The thrilling artistry and piercing perspectives of Haruna Lee and Agyeiwaa Asante show us how the theatre canon can grow,” says Natasha Sinha, Associate Artistic Director at Playwrights Horizons and Advisory Board member, The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation. “And as we look toward the next healing, incisive, and joyful era of musical storytelling, we uplift theatre luminary Kirsten Childs, as well as rising writers Troy Anthony, Jay Adana, and Zeniba Now. We’re thrilled to champion all six of these visionary artists as they create powerful new theatre that will move us forward.”
Video filmed by Magda Katz
G.H. Harding
FAMILY’S A BITCH-THE END OF SUCCESSION — Sunday’s finale of Succession (HBO) was a mixed bag. I’ll be honest: At first I thought the finale was totally underwhelming, but after some additional thought and reading some other excellent reviews, I’ve come to the point where I now believe it was, pure and simple, how it had to end.
Joss Stone
None more so than Joss Stone on “I Put A Spell On You.” What a voice. I’m amazed she’s not bigger; very Janis Joplin.
Gary Clark
Also, Gary Clark delivered a blistering, amazing performance on Stevie Wonder’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.” No question that he’s the next guitar-wizard. Here they both are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvO2_noxaXQ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO2BLAXveVo …
The Flash
I watched all 9 seasons of the CW’s The Flash and the first 5 were pretty terrific. The remaining ones got poorer and poorer as the original cast disappeared one by one. Grant Gustin, The Flash, was there the whole time, but their finale last week was terribly confusing – save for a song by Tony Award winner Jesse L. Martin (for Rent) – a key member of the original cast. The last two seasons had a myriad of costumed villains, some from the comic, some not, but just wildly messed up. The CW was sold to Nexstar last year and big changes are in their future. Sad … and, CNN is reporting that Universal Music is close to snapping up the rights to the Queen-catalog for $1 billion-plus. Good for them.
Queen
Disney had it previously, but Queen’s music is more popular than ever before. It’s a real shame Freddie is not her to share in it. If you wondered the record for the biggest previously was for Bruce Springsteen’s catalog at $500 million.
Roxstar Entertainment, who’s executive team has produced dozens of red-carpet premiere events for top selections at the Tribeca Film Festival, will be bringing their newest hospitality platform, the Cinema Center to New York City after successful launches at Sundance and SxSw.
For Tribeca, the schedule of high-profile red carpet premiere parties will be held across multiple New York City restaurant and nightlife destinations including Bar Feroce at the Moxy Chelsea, Serafina Upper West 77th Street, and Common Ground NYC for a selection of the top films in competition at the Festival including: “eric larue” directed by Michael Shannon and starring Judy Greer, Alexander Skarsgård, Alison Pill, Tracy Letts, and Paul Sparks; IFC celebration for “Suitable Flesh” + “The Perpetrator” with Heather Graham, Barbara Crampton, Johnathan Schaech, Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Reeder, and Kiah McKirnan; Sony Pictures Classics celebration for “TheMiracle Club” with Director, Thaddeus O’Sullivan and cast Laura Linney, Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, Agnes O’Casey, Stephen Rea; Sony Music celebration for “Let The Canary Sing” with Director, Alison Ellwood and music icon Cyndi Lauper and other special guests; as well as Sony Pictures Classics celebrating “SHORTCOMINGS” with Director, Randall Park and cast Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola, Ally Maki, Debby Ryan, Tavi Gevinson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jacob Batalon, and Timothy Simons.
“Roxstar Entertainment is pleased to continue to support independent filmmakers and distributors especially in its mission to get movie fans back into their true intended viewing medium, the movie theaters. We are so grateful to be able to work with likeminded companies to sponsor and support the events and help drive the promotion and celebration for the films, filmmakers, and respective casts,” says David Manning, Roxstar Entertainment’s Executive Producer of the Cinema Center.”
Each venue will be serving VIP guests with its special brand of service, atmosphere, and culinary delights. Libations will be provided by the Cinema Center ‘s generous sponsor partners. The all-important wine services for the program will be provided courtesy of Sommsation, a trusted wine experience brand and direct-to-consumer marketplace bringing together independent wineries and sommeliers who curate access to limited production wines. On-site, Sommsation will provide guests with a tasting experience. Sommsation invites wine enthusiasts to explore their online shop of exceptional and one-of-a-kind wine offerings that ship directly to your door.
Sponsors include: Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Italy’s premium lager, will be serving its award-winning lager as well as Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%— a premium non-alcoholic lager.
On May 18, Galit Ventura-Rozen hosted a lovely and enlightening dinner in New York City. Trendsetters and influencers gathered in Manhattan at The Flying Cock for an evening of enrichment and mindful conversation. Her passion and energy during the evening made her mission clear. Her inspirational and motivating energy was felt throughout the room.
The globally recognized public speaker and award-winning entrepreneur was on site to discuss her book The Successful Woman’s Mindset. Guests at the event eagerly listened to her advice and recommendations. Whether by using lessons from her book or from her motivating lessons, she is known for helping raise the productivity of others.
She began her successful career as a commercial real estate broker where she has sold over $700 million in commercial property in Las Vegas over the past 25+ years. After enjoying a very lucrative career as a real estate expert, She began to experience sleepless nights with racing thoughts. As a then working single mother of three, she wanted to find a way to support women, and returned to college at the age of 37. She earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University and graduated with honors. Galit began a one-woman mission to empower, inspire and motivate others to believe in themselves.
Here is to women making a positive difference in the world today.
Events
Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall Scheduled for Tribeca Festival 2023 Audio Storytelling
The 2023 Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, has announced its audio storytelling lineup, including 18 world premieres from independent and established narrative audio creators and 11 “Live-from-Tribeca” events. This year’s Festival, which takes place June 7-18, will highlight its audio storytelling selection from June 12-16, connecting creators and listeners in-person at Tribeca.
The lineup includes 11 “Live-from-Tribeca” events, from exclusive conversations with audio creators to live tapings of hit shows, such as an audio artists panel hosted by Avery Trufelman (Articles of Interest, 99% Invisible); a live taping of Crooked Media’s Pod Save America with guest co-host Alex Wagner; a 25th anniversary rewatch event of Will & Grace followed by a live taping of SmartLess Media’s Just Jack & Will featuring Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack; a live taping of Selected Shorts with New York Times Bestselling author Roxane Gay; a live taping of New York Times Audio’s Modern Love with Kim Cattrall; and a live taping of Sonic Union’s Perreo 101 followed by a musical performance by Cuban artists Yotuel and Beatriz Luengo.
Additionally, the 2023 Audio Storytelling program showcases 16 official selections, including eight from independent creators and eight from established creators–evenly divided between fiction and narrative nonfiction series. World premieres from independent audio creators include the fiction series The Fabulists and These Were Humans, as well as the narrative nonfiction series Abridged and Magic on a Winter’s Night. World premieres from established creators include The Unmarked Graveyard: Stories from Hart Island (Radio Diaries and Radiotopia from PRX), Free from Desire (Paradiso), The Very Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen (Wolf at the Door Studios), and Dreamtown: The Story of Adelanto (Crooked Media). Official selections will be previewed at the Emerging Audio Artists Panel hosted by a special guest and the Established Audio Artists Panel hosted by Avery Trufelman, and available the following day at https://tribecafilm.com/podcasts and @TribecaAudio.
Audible is the audio entertainment sponsor of the 2023 Tribeca Festival. It celebrates the Tribeca creative community and showcases bold creators who develop innovative, cinematic audio entertainment.
The Tribeca Festival is curated by Festival Director and VP of Programming Cara Cusumano, Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer; VP of Programming Sharon Badal and VP of Shorts Programming Ben Thompson; Senior Programmers Liza Domnitz, Faridah Gbadamosi, and Jarod Neece; Programmers José F. Rodriguez, Casey Baron, Jason Gutierrez, and Jonathan Penner; VP of Games and Immersive Casey Baltes and Immersive Curator Ana Brzezińska; Curator of Audio Storytelling Davy Gardner; Music Programmer Vincent Cassous; EVP of Artist Relations Nancy Lefkowitz and VP of Artist Relations Meredith Mohr; and Chief Content Officer Paula Weinstein, along with a team of associate programmers.
The full audio storytelling lineup is detailed below. For more updates on programming follow @TribecaAudio on Twitter and @Tribeca and #Tribeca2023 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Purchase passes for the 2023 Tribeca Festival at tribecafilm.com/festival.
Cover art courtesy tribecafilm.com
We love the nightlife!
Frederick Anderson Resort 2024 Fashion Show Featuring Natasha Bedingfield at Nebula in New York, NY on May 24, 2023. (Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA)
The thrill of old-school New York City energy came out swinging in a glorious way last week during Frederick Anderson’s 2024 Resort collection presentation.
Frederick Anderson Resort 2024 Fashion Show Featuring Natasha Bedingfield at Nebula in New York, NY on May 24, 2023 with Nicole Miller and Mayor Eric Adams. (Photo by David Warren /Sipa USA)
On May 24, pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield opened up the beautiful runway at the fantastic hotspot Nebula in Midtown Manhattan. Wearing a bold crochet dress by the designer, the music matched her luxurious look and set the tone for an electric night.
Frederick Anderson and Natasha Bedingfield at Frederick Anderson Resort 2024 Fashion Show Featuring Natasha Bedingfield at Nebula in New York, NY on May 24, 2023. (Photo by David Warren /SipaUSA)
The 33-look collection was seen by a chic and notable group of uptown clients and downtown personalities including Mayor Eric Adams, Nebula owner Richie Romero, Nicole Miller, Peter Som, Young Paris, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin and Janna Bullock amongst well-heeled crowd.
Photos by David Warren
And The Winners of The 2023 Drama Desk Awards Are ………
Ken Fallin’s Broadway: Remembering Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd
The Glorious Corner
-
Events2 days agoHappy Memorial Day From T2C
-
Art4 days agoTaylor Swift Exhibition Opens in NYC
-
Events3 days agoTovah Feldshuh Joins The American Popular Song Society In Celebration of Marilyn Maye
-
Broadway4 days agoThe Outer Critics Circle Awards and You Are There Part 2
-
Broadway4 days agoHam4Ham: Some Like It Hot, Parade and Shucked With Special Guests
-
Cabaret3 days agoCabaret, Talks and Concerts For June
-
Broadway3 days agoKen Fallin’s Broadway: Chicago
-
Art3 days agoEvents in June