All posts by The King of Broadway
PRESS RELEASE: Gay Drug Lord? Jeffrey Wachman Announces Release of “If Only You Knew Me Then…”
Gay Drug Lord? Jeffrey Wachman Announces Release of “If Only You Knew Me Then…”
What began as a way to make fast, easy money for his family became an all-consuming life-style filled with dangerous characters, sex, and extreme violence.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Photo by Christopher Knight
PRLog (Press Release) – Aug. 12, 2013 – NEW YORK — Jeffrey Wachman grew up the baby of a sprawling family of seven children, living in a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, New York. Jeffrey’s father, a hardworking Korean War veteran, and his mother, a housewife, could never make ends meet. Jeffrey’s childhood was the kind of poor defined by hand-me-down-
“If Only You Knew Me Then…” written by Jeff Wachman with Travis Montez is the semi-autobiographic tale of how, to combat his family’s poverty, Jeffrey dropped out of junior high school and turned to dealing marijuana. Jeffrey soon learned the power that came with his new enterprise was more addictive than any drug. By the time he was 18, Jeff was a major crime figure in the Brooklyn drug trade. In his early twenties, he was the focus of several major law enforcement investigations. His street-name “Dirk” was one that inspired fear and intrigue. Fear because he had a reputation of doing any and everything it took to maintain and defend his drug territory; Intrigue because he managed to do so while being openly gay.
What began as a way to make fast, easy money for his family became an all-consuming life-style filled with dangerous characters, sex, and extreme violence that ended up pulling Jeffrey away from the people he loved most. “If Only You Knew Me Then…” is the story of how and why he began to fight his way back.
This first novel has been a labor of love for the past three years since his release from the Southern State Correctional Facility on May 5, 2010. When asked why he chose to share this very personal and emotional story with the world, Mr. Wachman stated “I wanted to tell my story for both children and parents. To show kids that nothing comes out of that lifestyle and hopefully show the parents the strain they can put on their children”.
“If Only You Knew Me Then…” is set to be released this fall.
ABOUT JEFFREY WACHMAN
Mr. Wachman is a suc
cessful model, entrepreneur and club manager in New York City. He married the love of his life, Matthew, on January 13, 2013 and they reside in Brooklyn, New York with their Schnauzer, Daxter. Both Mr. Wachman and his husband, Matthew, are avid supporters of numerous LGBT organizations as well as organizations focused on under-privileged youth.
For more information please visit www.ifonlyyouknewmethen.com. Mr. Wachman is available for interviews and speaking engagements.
PRESS RELEASE: Iridium NYC hosts “A Tribute to Julie Wilson” – Tuesday, August 13th @ 8 & 10pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE
56 Seventh Ave. Suite 4E • New York, NY 10011
(212)366-4345/fax-(917)475-1835 • E-mail: MayaPRNY@aol.com
Contact: Penny M. Landau
Presents
A Tribute to Julie Wilson
Tuesday, August 13th @ 8 & 10pm
On Tuesday, August 13th at 8 & 10pm, ScoBar Entertainment will present A TRIBUTE TO JULIE WILSON at Iridium NYC. Performers confirmed thus far are Eric Comstock, Baby Jane Dexter, Natalie Douglas, Antonio Edwards, Eric Engelhardt, Barbara Fasano, Terese Genecco, Jeff Harnar, Mark Hartman, Tanya Holt, Sue Matsuki , Marissa Mulder, Christine Pedi, Colm Reilly, Julie Reyburn, Ricky Ritzel, KT Sullivan, Stacy Sullivan, Grace Wall, Lennie Watts & Carol Woods. Accompanying the performers is The Barry Levitt Trio, Barry Levitt on piano, Dick Sarpola on bass & Ray Marchica on drums
JULIE WILSON! Just the mention of her name evokes the essence of cabaret. “I’m Still Here;” it could be her anthem. Long before JULIE WILSON tackled that classic Sondheim survivor saga, she was described as “a pioneer who could have become a prima donna.” Her own roots are deeply embedded in the soil of her Omaha, Nebraska home & its family values allowing sustaining strength through decades of winning & losing, dizzying heights & the deepest of depths.
A young tomboy with secret dreams of stardom & a fondness for the 1920s pop song “Mary Lou,” Julie was barely enrolled at Omaha University when she grabbed at a chance to join the company of the Broadway revue Earl Carroll’s Vanities. This led to early nightclub work, the chorus line of the Latin Quarter & finally, the Copacabana. It was wartime; she was making $75 a week & feeling pretty good. After a Copa/USO European tour, she was promoted to a singing spot in the legendary nightspot’s lavish production numbers, introducing “They’ve Got an Awful Lot of Coffee in Brazil” (“The Coffee Song”).
Club dates in Miami & Hollywood followed, including the famous Mocambo. But New York lured her back & there she fine-tuned her stagecraft in musical comedies like Kiss Me, Kate, replacing Lisa Kirk as Bianca. She repeated the role in the London production, remaining there for four years, appearing in shows such as South Pacific & Bells Are Ringing & enrolling in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. To study there, she had to give up the chance to open on Broadway in the lead role of what would become a long-running hit, The Pajama Game. Ironically, several years later, she replaced Janis Paige’s replacement in the very role she had rejected.
Julie returned to Broadway in 1955, appearing in Kismet & touring in Show Boat, Panama Hattie, Silk Stockings & Hi Fidelity. During the 1950’s, Julie made several recordings & also some of those wonderful black & white films, like The Strange One & This Could Be the Night, where she played Rosebud, a blonde nightclub chanteuse.
But her niche & her reputation was in the clubs; the glamorous, romantic rooms of the period. There she reigned in the finest rooms in the finest hotels. And there she sang the naughty, torchy, gutsy songs she loved.
Julie is aware that real life is not upon the stage. She married twice, first very briefly. Her second marriage produced her two sons, Holt & Michael, but the marriage ended and the boys went to live with Julie’s parents in Omaha so she could work & support them.
Much like a marriage, the aura of a New York nightclub can burst like a bubble, as it did in the ’60s, when rock stadiums replaced plush supper clubs & the active nightlife dissipated. In the years that followed, Julie’s performances were in the small “unpretentious” clubs that opened around New York City, a world away from the Maisonette. In 1967, she appeared in a short lived Broadway musical, Jimmy. Despite the show’s short run, Julie says, “I had great songs.” She later had roles in Stephen Sondheim’s musicals, Company, Follies & A Little Night Music, growing to love the composer-lyricist’s work.
Family responsibilities beckoned & Julie heeded the call of home. By late 1983, her brother & both parents had died & her sons were grown & Julie was ready to once again begin carving out a career. She got a phone call asking if she could be ready to do a Cole Porter show at Michael’s Pub in New York.
Julie Wilson’s legendary shows of the 1950s were remembered. Cabarets were reviving. The Russian Tea Room, Rainbow & Stars, The Algonquin’s Oak Room, venues in California & Chicago all opened up to her. Peter Allen wrote a part for her in his Broadway musical, Legs Diamond, for which she was nominated for a Tony. In 1992, a PBS TV special showcased her cabaret act.
On September 30, 1999, the Mabel Mercer Foundation spotlighted Julie’s upcoming 75th birthday with a special evening in her name. She chose all the acts, so everyone was outstanding. Finally Julie herself came out, in glorious glamour & capped the whole show with selections from her then-new Cy Coleman show & added her favorite Sondheim songs, including practically the whole score of Follies!
Julie’s understanding of life deeply influences her music. The vampy, flirtatious Porter classics are still a staple, but today there is a depth to everything she sings, so that her life, her views, her grasp of what the lyrics & music are about, are all conveyed to her audience. If the tone is not so clear and pure (she’ll be the first to admit that), she can still sustain those notes & the voice is dramatically strong. But most of all, Julie Wilson’s down-to-earth attitude toward life, her outspoken views of inequities, her high personal standards, have brought her universal love & respect throughout the industry.
Performing in the 8pm show will be Eric Comstock, Baby Jane Dexter, Natalie Douglas, Barbara Fasano, Terese Genecco, Jeff Harnar, Mark Hartman, Tanya Holt, Colm Reilly, Julie Reyburn, KT Sullivan & Carol Woods.
The 10pm show will feature Antonio Edwards, Eric Engelhardt, Terese Genecco, Eric Michael Gillett, Nina Hennessey, Helen Klass, Sue Matsuki, Marissa Mulder, Christine Pedi, Ricky Ritzel, Stacy Sullivan, Grace Wall & Lennie Watts. Speakers will include Jamie deRoy, Sherry Eaker, Peter Leavy, Julie Miller, Arthur Pompesello Michael Estwanik, Adam Feldman, Rob Lester & Scott Siegel.
$25 cover/$10 food/beverage minimum
$5 off for MAC, Cabaret Hotline, Cabaret Scenes, NiteLife Exchange,
802, AEA, SAG, AFTRA, ASCAP, BMI
1650 Broadway (@ 51st)
www.theiridium.com 212-582-2121 or www.ticketweb.com
FOR PRESS SEATS: MayaPRNY@aol.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Maryann Lopinto
PRESS RELEASE: New Artist – New Album aims to help with “FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES.”
Aaron Holder breaks the mold with his debut album “Something Stronger.” Already being featured on reverbnation.com home page, a worldwide media outlet for all artists. This skillfully constructed album expands the boundaries between Jewish and mainstream music by using elements of Folk, Pop, Country, Rock and hint of Reggae, laced with a deeply spiritual vibe. Aaron has already made a name for himself in the Jewish community with his inspiring songs and moving performances but this much anticipated album takes him to another level, crossing him over to the general public. He has already gained the respect from fans worldwide and played internationally with various seasoned musicians. In the process of making his album, Aaron graciously accepted the help from musical heavyweights such as 27 time gold and platinum musician Steve Gordon, Matt Kramer, the lead singer of Saigon Kick who’s album, “The Lizard” reached Top 10 on the Billboard charts, and produced by the owner of W4M Studios, Ovadiah Tank.
Aaron truly speaks to the listener, and with his unique soulful voice ranging over three
entire octaves, he keeps you captivated and yearning for more. Aaron has overcome
challenges of his own after being bullied throughout his youth and set apart from his
peers for being different. The positive outlook instilled in him by teachings of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, gave Aaron the strength to remain true to himself and use his uniqueness to create a masterpiece. “Something Stronger” is the canvas for Aaron’s own experiences and struggles. The lyrics paint a beautiful picture that can be interpreted in multiple ways, allowing the subjective ear to incorporate these messages into their own life’s challenges. Aaron’s approach to this album is very well rounded and diverse as evident by various influences such as Mumford & Sons, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Matisyahu, One Republic, Josh Groban, Bruce Springsteen, and Shlomo Carlebach.
“Aaron Holder comes out and shows a unique style that is radio friendly with a voice that relayspassion and conviction.” – Steve Gordon (27 time gold platinum musician)
“Something Stronger is a true original, setting new standards for alternative Jewish Music” -Moshe Hecht (Hassidic Folk singing superstar)
“To capture relatable emotion through a song takes going through life with a open mind and letting people into your own. When listening to “Something Stronger” I felt connected to the songs as though they were being sung to me, with its unique twist on County-Pop, deep vocals relatable lyrics with its sing along tunes, Aaron surpassed all my expectation with this album.” -Avi Werde (CEO of Event Connection Source)
For more info on Aaron Holder go to http://aaronholderworld.com/
To preview or purchase this album you can go to any distribution site such as iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/something-stronger/id655787984
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3S_OO7TMcY
To contact Artist: info@aaronholderworld.com
Aaron Holder
3303 Flamingo Drive
Miami Beach FL, 33140
305-527-3544
NYC Pride March & Dance 2013 ~ A Video & Photo Essay
Video & Photos of the 2013 NYC Pride March
and the famous
Dance on the Pier with CHER
June 30th 2013
Credits: Video and Photo Credits to the amazing Brad Naprixas
Elli singing “The Impossible Dream” @TKTS 40th Anniversary Celebration in Times Square
Elli singing “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha”
at the TKTS 40th Anniversary Celebration in Times Square
June 26th, 2013 – Official TKTS Video
Make sure to change settings to 720p for best viewing
An Interview with: Steve Cuden author of “Beating Broadway” & “Jekyll & Hyde the Musical”
From high above Broadway in the Paramount Building, author Steve Cuden took time out to chat with me about his book, his amazing career in animation, and his pick for the lead in the long rumored “Jekyll & Hyde” movie musical!
To purchase the book in either paperback or Kindle format click here: BUY THE BOOK
An interview with Allan Sherman Biographer Mark Cohen
Mark Cohen, author of “Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman” took some time out from his busy Book Tour to sit down with me and talk about his new biography of one of my favorite comedy geniuses, Allan Sherman.
For more about Mark Cohen or to purchase the book: CLICK HERE
PRESS RELEASE: JACKIE JOSEPH: LIVE BENEFIT FOR ACTORS AND OTHERS FOR ANIMALS
For Immediate Release: June 13th, 2013
RESERVE TODAY!
Richard Skipper Celebrates Jackie Joseph: LIVE at The Metropolitan Room in NYC
JULY 3rd at 7PM!
A benefit for Actors and Others For Animals (http://www.actorsandothers.com).
Richard and Jackie will sit down for an intimate chat to discuss her career and life and the people she has worked with for the first forty-five minutes in a VERY RARE New York appearance!
Imagine “Inside the Actor’s Studio” but with Richard Skipper’s own personal style.
The last fifteen minutes will be comprised of questions from the audience.
Jackie will meet and greet the audience downstairs afterward.
RICHARD SKIPPER is a Storyteller! He is also a popular entertainer, theater historian and pop culture blogger. He has conducted over 500 interviews for his daily blog celebrating people in the arts and is currently writing a book to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Hello, Dolly!, based also in part on his award-winning callondolly.com website chronicling the Broadway classic. He has covered several opening nights as the voice of Feinstein’s at Loews Regency and has conducted on-stage interviews for Carol Channing, Tommy Tune, Ron Young and Peggy Pope at Barnes & Noble and Queensboro Community College. (RichardSkipper.com and CallonDolly.com ) 2013 has been a breakout year for Richard. Richard was the associate producer of the 2010, 2012, 2013 Bistro Awards. He recently produced Peggy Herman’s CD Release Party at Feinsteins, directed by Peter Glebo and Tommy Tune, and it was an SRO success. He also Pamela Luss’ run at The Metropolitan Room, NYC. Richard can be seen in Dori Berenstein’s CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE. Richard is now focused mostly on his writing and producing this year. He has a highly successful blog called RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES, focusing on Artists and their body of “Worth” and what makes a great UNIQUE entertainer!
Jackie Joseph is an American character actress, voice artist, and writer known for portraying Alan Brady’s niece Jackie on the Dick van Dyke Show, as well as the film characters of: Audrey Fulquard in the original The Little Shop of Horrors, Sheila Futterman in both Gremlins films, and the voice of Melody in the animated television series Josie and the Pussycats and Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space. She was a regular on The Doris Day Show portraying Doris’ friend, Jackie Parker and also famously played the love interest of Ernest T. Bass on The Andy Griffith Show as well as Imogene Harris, the eccentric love-interest of Mario (Bob Denver) in Who’s Minding The Mint…THAT’S JUST FOR STARTERS!
Fifty percent of every cover will benefit Actors and Others For Animals (http://www.actorsandothers.com).
$20.00. Cover ($10.00 of every cover goes to Actors and Others for Animals)
Two drink minimum. Reservations a MUST: 34 W 22nd St New York, NY 10010
http://metropolitanroom.com/show.cfm?cart&id=104228
(212) 206-0440
Also…a chance to win a fabulous gift basket!
Please call with any questions you may have 845-365-0720
PRESS RELEASE: NOT YOUR AVERAGE ROBIN HOOD STORY!
For Immediate Release: May 3rd, 2013
Contacts: Eric Webb/La Vie Productions, 646-290-7569, eric@lavieproductions.com
NOT YOUR AVERAGE ROBIN HOOD STORY!
JANA ROBBINS and BETTER WORLD PRODUCTIONS present by invitation only
Staged readings of
ROBIN HOOD – THE FINAL ADVENTURE
A New Musical
Book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Peter Sipos, Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Music Direction by Kevin Stites
Directed by Martin Charnin
Friday, May 3rd & Monday, May 6th
New York City
Jana Robbins and Better World Productions present staged readings of ROBIN HOOD – The Final Adventure (Book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Peter Sipos, Lyrics by Martin Charnin) on Friday, May 3rd and Monday, May 6th in New York City. The industry-only staged readings are open by invitation only.
ROBIN HOOD – The Final Adventure is an exciting new musical filled with drama, intrigue, suspense and a whole lot of laughter.
Robin Hood, long thought to have been killed in the final battle of the Crusades, returns to England, to once again take up arms against the brutal tyranny of the brainless King John. There he reunites with his beloved Maid Marian, who has, to say the least, a major surprise for him, as they set off together on his last and greatest adventure!
Lyrics and direction for ROBIN HOOD – The Final Adventure are by Tony Award winner Martin Charnin (TWO BY TWO, ANNIE), with a book by Tony Award winner Thomas Meehan (THE PRODUCERS, HAIRSPRAY, ANNIE) and a bright and melodic new score by Canada’s Peter Sipos (CONTACT).
ROBIN HOOD – The Final Adventure readings features Anthony Warlow (ANNIE) as Robin Hood and Shelly Burch (NINE) as Maid Marian. Additional casting includes Jason Collins, Dan Deluca (“The Wire”), Aloysius Gigl (RAGTIME), Brian Michael Hoffman (SEUSSICAL), Richard Mark Jordan (SCROOGE), Simon Jones (BLITHE SPIRIT), Michael X. Martin (NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, 9 TO 5), Eric Page, Christy Carlson Romano (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, AVENUE Q), AJ Shively (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES), Jill Shackner (LES MISERABLES), Gordon Stanley (CABARET, RAGTIME), Richard M. Steele, Quinn Van Antwerp (JERSEY BOYS), Walter Willison (GRAND HOTEL, TWO BY TWO), Mark Elliot Wilson,. The reading is stage managed by Anita Ross with casting by Geoff Josselson and general management by La Vie Productions.
Thomas Meehan (Book) is a three-time Tony-award book writer for the Broadway musicals ANNIE, THE PRODUCERS and HAIRSPRAY,. In addition, he has written the books of a dozen or so other Broadway musicals, including Richard Rodgers’ I REMEMBER MAMA, CRY-BABY, Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, ELF and CHAPLIN. A long-time contributor of humor pieces to The New Yorker magazine and an Emmy-award-winning TV comedy writer, he has also written a number of screenplays, most notably for TO BE OR NOT TO BE and SPACEBALLS. He is a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild.
Peter Sipos (Music) Born in Budapest, Hungary, Peter was founding member of the legendary Hungarian rock band Hungaria (1969-1979). He moved to Montreal, Canada in 1980 where he became a well-known musician-composer-producer. Celine Dion recorded his song “Pour Vous” in 1985. His first musical JEANNE (JOAN OF ARC) premiered in 1995 in Montreal and played 147 times until 1997 in three different productions in Quebec. He created orchestral underscoring for the Montreal theater production of the legendary Jewish mythical story THE DYBBUK in 1998. His latest musical was based on Carl Sagan’s novel and subsequent movie CONTACT co-authored by Amy Engelhardt (lyrics) and Alan Bryce (book). It opened in September 2009 at Centerstage in Federal Way, WA. Peter lives in Montreal, Canada, with his wife Kira and their beloved poodle Sammy. He is an enthusiastic aviator and a certified flight instructor.
Martin Charnin (Lyrics & Director) Tony Award® winning lyricist and director of original Broadway production of ANNIE. Charnin has directed 19 other productions of ANNIE including all of its first class national companies, three West End productions, and productions in Holland and Australia. His last production was in 2005, celebrating Annie’s 30th anniversary. He began his professional career in 1957, creating the role of Big Deal in the original Broadway company of WEST SIDE STORY. Since then, he has been the director, lyricist, composer, librettist or a combination of the aforementioned for over 125 theatrical ventures. He has collaborated with Peter Allen, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Stone, Mary Rodgers, and Alan Jay Lerner, as well as two musicals with Richard Rodgers, TWO BY TWO and I REMEMBER MAMA. His other Broadway productions include HOT SPOT, THE FIRST, LENA HORNE; THE LADY AND HER MUSIC, CAFÉ CROWN, A LITTLE FAMILY BUSINESS, THE FLOWERING PEACH, NASH AT NINE and the off-Broadway productions of UPSTAIRS AT O’NEALS, THE NO FRILLS REVUE, CARNAL KNOWLEDGE, PUT IT IN WRITING, MUSIC, MUSIC and in London, BAR MITVAH BOY, BLESS THE BRIDE and THE 9½ QUID REVUE. He conceived and directed THE NATIONAL LAMPOON SHOW which ultimately became “Saturday Night Live”. This fall, he will direct the new Pre-Broadway production of TWO BY TWO starring Jason Alexander, and write the lyrics for and direct SKIN DEEP, a new Broadway bound musical
.
Kevin Stites (Music Director) Most recently, Kevin Stites served as the Music Director for the 25th Anniversary National Tour of LES MISERABLES, THE PRODUCERS (directed by Susan Stroman) at the Hollywood Bowl, and PERFECTLY FRANK: FROM HOLLYWOOD TO BROADWAY at the Grant Park Music Festival. He has also acted as Music Supervisor for the German Premiere of REBECCA in Stuttgart, Music Supervisor/Conductor for the World Premiere of DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY, and Music Director/Pianist for Deborah Voigt’s VOIGT LESSONS. Broadway: SOUTH PACIFIC (LCT), TALE OF TWO CITIES, THE COLOR PURPLE, TITANIC, SUNSET BOULEVARD, PAMELA’S FIRST MUSICAL, CHILDREN AND ART, LES MISERABLES, THREEPENNY OPERA, FIDDLER, NINE, OKLAHOMA!, ON THE TOWN, NINE TO FIVE (Additional Musical Arrangements). National Tours: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, THE COLOR PURPLE, MARTIN GUERRE, MISS SAIGON, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, TITANIC. Regional: World Premiere THE MASTER BUTCHERS SINGING CLUB by Marsha Norman (Composer/Music Arranger) at The Guthrie, TITANIC at the St. Louis Muny, and TAKE FLIGHT at The McCarter Theatre.
Jana Robbins (Producer) is a Tony nominated producer for the 2009 Broadway production of RAGTIME, joining Kevin McCollum and Manny Azenberg to transfer the highly successful Kennedy Center Production. In 1995 she founded BETTER WORLD PRODUCTIONS in order to “present theater and film entertainment that inspires us to create a Better World”. Jana made her Broadway producing debut with Allan Knee’s LITTLE WOMEN starring Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern and her Off-Broadway producing debut with I LOVE YOU BECAUSE. Other Off-Broadway producing credits include WHITE’S LIES starring Betty Buckley and Daniel Beaty’s THROUGH THE NIGHT with producer Daryl Roth earning her a second Drama Desk nomination. Producing projects currently in development are Allan Knee’s THE JAZZ AGE, MANAGING MAXINE by Janece Shaffer and ROOF OF THE WORLD by D. Tucker Smith.
The invitation-only staged readings of ROBIN HOOD – The Final Adventure play Friday, May 3rd and Monday, May 6th in New York City. ###