Music
Music News: Orfeh and Andy Karl, Matt Doyle, Creed Bratton, 13 The Musical, Elizabeth Ward Land and SummerStage
Chelsea Table + Stage announced its star-studded lineup of artists for August 2022. The venue will present the Tony-nominated Broadway couple in “An Evening with Orfeh and Andy Karl” on Thursday, August 4 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Orfeh and Andy Karl have had an impressively long run as one of Broadway’s best couples. They co-starred in Legally Blonde, which garnered Orfeh a Tony nomination. Karl earned his own Tony nods for Rocky, On the Twentieth Century and Groundhog Day (for which he received an Olivier Award). The sexy, funny and enormously talented duo will be joined by musical director Steven Jamail and their band for an unforgettable evening of heart-stoppers and chart-toppers.
Friday, August 5 at 7:00 PM Creed Bratton “An Evening of Music and Comedy” Mysterious, eccentric, good-hearted, and talented are all words that have been used to describe actor and musician Creed Bratton over the years. Creed may be best known for starring as a fictional version of himself on nine seasons of the award-winning, critically acclaimed NBC series “The Office.” Fans worldwide grew to love him as Dunder Mifflin’s quality assurance director who unapologetically forgets the names of his co-workers, and says bizarre confusing statements on a regular basis. If Creed was onscreen, laughs were sure to follow. Creed is also an established musician with a career in music that spans nearly five decades, and he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
On Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16 at 7:00 PM, 2022 Tony Award winner Matt Doyle will debut at the venue with his concert “New York Summer.” Following his Tony-winning performance as Jamie in Company on Broadway, Matt Doyle returns to the New York City concert scene with a brand-new set. The evening will blend musical theater, standards, and pop classics, all arranged by composer, Will Van Dyke. His other Broadway/Off Broadway credits also include Tony-winning musicals The Book of Mormon (in the lead role of Elder Price) and Spring Awakening; Best Play winner War Horse; the revivals of Bye, Bye Birdie; Sweeney Todd; and West Side Story, in addition to A Clockwork Orange, Brooklynite, Giant, and Jasper in Deadland. On, screen, he has appeared “The Code” (CBS), the original “Gossip Girl” (CW), and HBO MAX’s new “Gossip Girl.” Matt has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, and at symphonies across the country.
13 The Musical – Soundtrack from the Netflix Film has been released. The movie is based on the 2018 Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown. The new film version features three new songs written for the project, “I’ve Been Waiting,” “The Bloodmaster,” and “It Would Be Funny.” A special bonus track features a cover version of “Tell Her” by chart-topping singer and songwriter Alec Benjamin. Additional bonus tracks include extended versions of “Getting Ready” and “What It Means to Be a Friend.?” The album is produced by Harvey Mason Jr., with orchestrations by Mark Graham. 13 The Musical is directed by Tamra Davis, written by Robert Horn, and produced by Neil Meron. A trailer for the film is now available HERE. The soundtrack is available for pre-order at 13musical.lnk.to/NetflixFilmSdtkPR.
13 The Musical, is a coming-of-age journey through the unforgettable ups and downs of preteen life. After his parents’ divorce, Evan Goldman moves from NYC to small-town Indiana. As his 13th birthday nears, he must master the complex social circles of his new school and win friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party ever.
13 The Musical stars Eli Golden as Evan Goldman, Debra Messing as his mother Jessica, Peter Hermann as his father, Rhea Perlman as his grandmother, Josh Peck as the rabbi, Gabriella Uhl as Patrice, Jonathan Lengel as Archie, Frankie McNellis as Lucy, JD McCrary as Brett, and Lindsey Blackwell as Kendra. The cast also features Ramon Reed, Nolen Dubuc, Luke Islam, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Kayleigh Cerezo, Willow Moss, Liam Wignall, and Khiyla Aynne.
In addition to the Original Broadway Cast Album of 13 The Musical, Jason Robert Brown is also represented on Ghostlight Records with his solo albums – Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes and How We React and How We Recover – in addition to The Last Five Years (2002 Original Off-Broadway cast album, 2013 Revival Off-Broadway cast album, and 2015 Motion Picture Soundtrack), and the Original Broadway Cast Album of The Bridges of Madison County.
LML MUSIC has announced the release of the new album from Broadway vocalist Elizabeth Ward Land – Still Within the Sound of My Voice: The Songs of Linda Ronstadt – on CD and digital and streaming. A special vinyl edition of the album will be released later this year. Touching on genres including rock, country, folk, big band and mariachi, Elizabeth Ward Land finds her perfect vocal match in this salute to the great Linda Ronstadt. The concert version was honored with the 2020 Bistro Award for “Outstanding Tribute Show.” The album is produced by Ken Land and Lee Lessack, with Karen Mulvey and Andrew Needleman serving as executive producers. Still Within the Sound of My Voice features arrangements by Andrew David Sotomayor and vocal arrangements by Joel Waggoner. The album is now available from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or Spotify.
Elizabeth Ward Land will star as “Norma Desmond” in the Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton musical Sunset Boulevard at Music Theatre Connecticut in Norwalk, CT from September 16-October 2. Elizabeth will celebrate the album with concerts of Still Within the Sound of My Voice inNorwalk, CT on August 6 and Paper Mill Playhouse’s Brookside Cabaret Series in Millburn, NJ from August 31-September 3, with additional dates and venues to be announced. For more information, please visit ElizabethWardLand.com.
Elizabeth recently completed a run in The Bedwetter – the acclaimed Sarah Silverman, Josh Harmon and Adam Schlesinger musical at Off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company.
Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, New York City’s beloved outdoor performing arts festival, is continuing with their free summer performances.
On July 20, Cory Henry, Thee Sacred Souls, Ogi, Rustam Ospanoff (DJ set), will come to Central Park for a free show at 7:00PM ET (doors open at 6:00PM ET). Simply put, Brooklyn-born singer, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and all-around keyboard master Cory Henry is the future of music. A GRAMMY winner with his old band Snarky Puppy, he’s since made a name for himself as a solo artist and producer earning four GRAMMY nominations including Kanye West (Donda), Erik Bellinger (New Light) and his own self-produced album (Something to Say). Henry has also gone on to lay his vocals, instrumentals and production skills to recent releases from global superstars Rosalía, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Imagine Dragons and more. With a DJ set from Soho Radio’s Rustam Ospanoff, spanning the deepest soul sounds from around the world. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. More information at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/cory-henry-2022/
On July 21, Lucy Dacus with Hop Along come to Central Park for a ticketed benefit show at 6:00PM ET (doors open at 5:00PM ET). Lucy Dacus has been hailed as one of her generation’s strongest songwriters; she balances a sardonic wit with the care and empathy of someone who’s seen a thing or two, but hasn’t completely lost themself to despair. She’s returning to SummerStage as a headliner, after supporting Mitski on her 2019 tour. She’s joined by Philadelphia indie rock stalwarts Hop Along, which began as a Frances Quinlan solo project but has grown to include their brother Mark Quinlan, Tyler Long, and fourth wave emo torchbearer Joe Reinhardt. Tickets are available at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/lucy-dacus/
On July 21, MIKE’s Young World 2 with special guests Slick Rick, Junglepussy, Maassai, Jadasea, Laron heads to Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn for a free show at 6:00PM ET. 23-year-old MC MIKE was born in New Jersey, raised in London, and spent his teenage years in the Bronx; his unique style of hip hop draws influence from both sides of the Atlantic. The first edition of MIKE’s Young World was a 3-day music festival curated by the NYC rapper, a celebration of Black artists, hip-hop culture, and coming of age in the city. This year’s edition comes to SummerStage, and features special guest hip hop icon Slick Rick The Ruler, Junglepussy, Maasai, Jadasea, Laron, and more. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. More information at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/mike-young-world/
On July 22, Dallas Black Dance Theatre come to Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn for a free show at 6:00PM ET. Dallas Black Dance Theatre is a 14-member modern dance ensemble—the ninth-largest in the U.S.—that performs a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, ethnic and spiritual works. Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams and currently under the artistic direction of Melissa M. Young, the multi-cultural troupe strives to bridge cultures and connect with a diverse array of communities through its dance and education programs. Programming will kick off at 6:00PM with a dance workshop from Dallas Black Dance Theatre. More information at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/dallas-black-dance-theatre/
On July 23, Everyday People Featuring WurlD will perform at Central Park for a free show at 3:00PM ET (doors open at 2:00PM ET). Saada Ahmed, Chef Roblé Ali, & DJ Moma founded Everyday People in 2012 as intersectional safe space drawing its name from Arrested Development’s song “People Everyday.” Both a party and a platform, it began as a monthly day party with a 90s R&B soundtrack that celebrates the black diaspora. With multiple residencies in NY & LA, the crew has even brought their vibes across the Atlantic to Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town, earning the moniker of “The World’s Coolest Day Party” from Vice. This summer’s event comes to Central Park with WurlD, a Nigerian electro-soul singer whose latest project Afrosoul is a nostalgic celebration of love and longing. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. More information at:
Everyday People featuring WurlD – City Parks Foundation
On July 23, Sampa the Great, Pink Siifu, AQ (DJ Set) will perform at Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn for a free show in association with meanred at 6:00PM ET. Some of hip-hop’s most exciting voices head to Herbert Von King park in Bed-Stuy, led by the Zambian-born poet, rapper, and songwriter Sampa Tembo, better known as Sampa the Great. Twice the recipient of the Australian Music Prize (for 2017’s Birds and the BEE9 and 2019’s The Return), Sampa’s music explores themes of identity and heritage, dissolving the very concept of genre through a global perspective. She’s joined by the Alabama rapper Pink Siifu, another artist unbound by the concept of genre, whose music is rooted in poetic expression but prioritizes movement and feel above most everything else. The unpredictable artist is also incredibly prolific: he’s released a total of 46 EPs, albums, and mixtapes over the past decade. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. More information at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/sampa-the-great/
On July 23, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater heads to Coney Island Amphitheater for a free performance at 7:00PM ET (doors open at 6:00PM ET) in association with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. Since astounding the audience at a legendary 1958 performance at the 92nd Street Y, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has gone on to reach an estimated 25 million people on six continents, earning recognition by Congress as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world.” For over a decade, Artistic Director Robert Battle has been leading the company in exciting directions, building upon a legacy of performances that inspire all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African American cultural experience and the modern dance tradition. Join us at 3pm at the Amphitheater for a FREE, All-Ages West African Dance Workshop, hosted by the Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs. No RSVP needed. More information here. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. Also, a one-time only pre show event will be held in advance of this performance on July 21 with a special Horton Master Class featuring Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s dancer Sean Smith. Learn more and register here. More information for the entire show at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/alvin-ailey/
On July 24, Black Midi, Sal Valentinetti, WFUV’s Alisa Ali (DJ Set), Hosted by Sarah Sqiurm come to Central Park for a free show at 6:00PM ET (doors open at 6:00PM ET). Black Midi’s live performances are notoriously as exciting as they are dramatic. They remained mysterious for the first years of their existence that preceded their Mercury Prize-nominated debut LP “Schlagenheim”, eschewing press and social media in favor of building word-of-mouth at their raucous live shows. Their latest album, last year’s “Cavalcade”, doubles down on their anything-goes approach and takes it further—heavier, prettier, and more elaborate. Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti is a charismatic crooner that captivated the country with a stunning audition on America’s Got Talent, channeling a love for the lounge act vibes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra into an act as heartwarming as it is authentic. The show is hosted by New York City comedian Sarah Squirm, who’s been making waves as the newest cast member on Saturday Night Live. Black Midi’s performance will be livestreamed for one-time only at SummerStageAnywhere.org on 7/24. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. More information at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/black-midi/
On July 24, Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn will host a free celebration, A Party Called Rosie Perez at 4:00PM ET. A Party Called Rosie Perez is based on a simple premise: DJs Christian Mártir, Suce, and Laylo love hip-hop and dancehall, but there was always a moment at the parties they frequented where something was missing—the salsa, merengue, and other Latin music that also populates their playlists. The party—which started in 2015—represents their vision for the future of Latin music, with raucous sets that seamlessly integrate the sounds of the Latin diaspora, itself a vortex that pulls in various parts of the culture from both sides of the Atlantic. This is a free event; entrance is first-come, first-served. More information at: https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/party-called-rosie-perez/
The Statue of Liberty’s birthday, Oktoberfest, Open House New York, pumpkins, Halloween and more wait for your attention this October.
The Perelman Performing Arts Center has officially opened to the public, marking the final piece in the puzzle of the World Trade Center site.
Events this month include:
- An intimate “Evening with Brian Stokes Mitchell” (October 5).
- 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition (October 14 and 15)
- Actress and creator of the “Red Table Talk” series Jada Pinkett Smith (October 16).
Photograph: Courtesy of TAO Group Hospitality
Magic Hour at the Moxy Times Square, 485 7th Ave, has pink theme’s right now it’s “Pink Pumpkin Patch.”
Open Streets Columbus Avenue, every Sunday from 68th to 77th street from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- October 1, 2023
- October 8, 2023
- October 15, 2023
- October 22, 2023
- October 29, 2023
Until 10/15: The 61st The New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center.
Until 10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month. Look for parades, events, film festivals, and more.
Until 10/31: OctoberFest the Loreley Beer Garden, 7 Rivington Street (between Bowery and Chrystie) will be serving sausages and pretzels as well as German beer from liter steins and boots. On Sundays at 3 p.m., there’s a delicious free pig roast. There’s also a haunted beer garden starting on 10/18.
Until 11/1: If you want a spooky celebrations to be more festive and less frightening, Halloween House try the The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street.
Photograph: Courtesy of Color Factory
Until, 11/1: The Color Factory has 14 immersive exhibits that engage all the senses in an exploration of the art and science of color. The museum works with local artists, designers and creatives to bring the designs to life. This Soho immersive art museum will present Haunted Hues, a Halloween-themed takeover.
Until 11/4: Blood Manor, haunted house’s 20th season at 359 Broadway. This year three new rooms, and brand-new costumes by designers from Abracadabra, Manhattan’s iconic Halloween store. Immersive experience, professional actors, set designers and makeup artists, with twisted characters and jumpscares at every turn.
Until 1/7/24: Manet/Degas, this exhibition examines one of the most significant artistic dialogues in modern art history: the close and sometimes tumultuous relationship between Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. Born only two years apart, Manet (1832–1883) and Degas (1834–1917) were friends, rivals, and, at times, antagonists who worked to define modern painting in France. Through more than 150 paintings and works on paper.
10/3: Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown, 60 West 37th Street, will present Mean Girls, Rosemary’s Baby, Paranormal, The Exorcist, The Shining, American Psycho and other cult classics as well as Hocus Pocus and Halloween.
10/3 – 15: Off-Broadway Week a bi-annual event that offers 2-for-1 tickets.
10/4 – 11/11:”Dreams of Dracula: An Immersive Masquerade Experience” recreates the classic Dracula universe as a brand new vampire theatrical adventure. Head to Musica NYC, 637 West 50th Street. Two floors and six rooms across 25,000 square feet for a heady mix of immersive theater, dance and decadent masquerade.
10/4: 2023 Empire State Building Run-Up, where about 150 runners will get to race up the 1,576 stars to the 86th floor of the iconic building.
10/ 5 – 6: NYC pop-up “Love Me (Bar)Tender,” with Elvis-themed cocktails, music from Memphis bands and a photobooth. It’s sold out, but sign up here to get alerts.
10/6 – 8: The New Yorker Festival. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Misty Copeland and more. Live conversations, musical performances, and more, hosted by the magazine’s acclaimed writers and editors. The Festival brings together today’s most influential voices for a one-of-a-kind event in New York City.
10/6 – 8: The New York City Coffee Festival will return this fall for its seventh year with food, cocktails, live music, art, and more, including unlimited tastings. Metropolitan Pavilion.
10/9: Columbus Day Parade. The parade starts at Fifth Avenue on the corner 44th Street. It heads north up to 72nd Street (start: 11:30 AM, end: 3:00 PM).
10/12 – 15: The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival has 80-plus events that include more than 500 chefs from around the world. Tastings, classes, dinners, late-night parties, drag brunches and demonstrations. Across the boroughs. This year, The Cookout, will celebrate hip-hop’s 50th Anniversary.
10/12 – 15: New York Comic Con is back. Expect superhero galore at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Eleventh Ave.
10/17 – 31: Black Lagoon is a Halloween pop-up cocktail bar at Pretty Ricky’s (101 Rivington Street). The experience features a curated cocktail menu of eerie Halloween-themed drinks created by Ramage and Hayes, macabre dens festooned with frightfully fun decor.
10/20- 27: Open House New York Weekend Festival. Access the city’s main buildings for 3 days. All sorts of buildings can be visited, from the very historic to modern apartments or industrial buildings that are scattered all over the five boroughs. There will be tours, lectures, performances and events around the meaning of architecture and urban design. All the information about this cool event can be found here.
Photograph: Courtesy of the Balloon Museum
10/27: The Balloon Museum is officially set to take over Pier 36 at The Seaport in 80,000-square-foot space, and is scheduled to run through January 14, 2024. You can expect a 4,000-square-foot ball pit, inflatable lava lamps and the sorts of infinity rooms that you’ll itch to post about on Instagram.
10/28: Happy Birthday Statue of Liberty. In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was ceremoniously opened and is without question one of the most important landmarks of New York.
10/31: The Village Halloween Parade where zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, giant puppets and more take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade rolls out at 7pm. Sixth Ave becomes most congested with spectators between Bleeker and 14th Sts, so we suggest setting up camp at either the head (Spring to W Houston Sts) or tail (14th St to 16th St) of the parade.
10/31: The Annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park. As is gets dark around 6:30 pm, carved pumpkins are released into the Harlem Meer and will be float around for 30 minutes. The spectacle draws hundreds of visitors to the northeast corner of Central Park.
Musical Director Ian Niederhoffer’s dynamic musical group Parlando presents “Odysseys,” the opening concert of its 2023-2024 season, Wednesday, October 4th at 7:30 pm at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center.
Founded by Ian Niederhoffer in 2019, Parlando provides the musical and historical context to prepare every audience member for the music they are about to hear. Through short introductions to each piece, Parlando bridges the gap between audience and performer, creating an intimate, accessible orchestral experience.
Every Parlando program has a theme and contains a blend of new, underrepresented, and standard works. By connecting each piece through a shared theme, the concert becomes a story, and the audience is able to carry the experience from one piece to the next. Parlando strives to leave every audience member knowing more about classical music than when they walked in.
The focus of a Parlando concert is always on the music itself. The introductions are in service of the ensuing performance, preparing the audience to enjoy the music as much as possible.
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.
Events For October
Ken Fallin’s Broadway: Musical Director Ian Niederhoffer
New York Film Festival to Host Cinephile Game Night
-
Broadway3 days agoBarry Manilow’s and Bruce Sussman’s Harmony Meets The Press
-
Broadway2 days ago
Barry Manilow’s and Bruce Sussman’s Harmony Meets The Press Part 2
-
Entertainment3 days ago
The Mayor of Times Square Interviews Billionaire John Catsimatidis on The Motivation Show Podcast
-
Broadway2 days ago
Theatre News: Here We Are, Some Like It Hot, A Beautiful Noise, All The Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented The Villain and The Laramie Project
-
Food and Drink4 days ago
Ubah Hassan and Serafina Launch the Sizzling Hot Pizza of the Season
-
Cabaret3 days ago
My View: Barrington Stage Co. on 42nd Street Oct. 30 For Its Gala at Green Room 42
-
Off Broadway3 days ago
Meet Michel Wallerstein and Spencer Aste of Chasing Happy
-
Celebrity4 days agoThe Glorious Corner
