All posts by The King of Broadway

PRESS RELEASE: ANDREA MCARDLE TO JOIN READING OF LOST IN LOVE THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL

For Immediate Release:

ANDREA MCARDLE, BROADWAY’S ORIGINAL ANNIE, SIGNS ON FOR READING OF LOST IN LOVE THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL—FINAL CASTING ANNOUNCED 

Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original ANNIE, joins Tony-nominated actor Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages, American Idol) and Justin Matthew Sargent (Rock of Ages, Bonnie & Clyde) for the April 23, 24 industry-only reading of LOST IN LOVE, a new musical based on the hit songs of Air Supply. McArdle sprang to fame in early 1977 when she became the youngest performer ever to be nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. She has continued to perform as an actress and singer and is well-known for her alto range and strong vocal belt.

 

Ms. McArdle will read the role of MRS RUTLEDGE, an aristocratic woman of a certain age who seems to know everything about everyone. McArdle will be performing one of the four new songs written for the show by Graham Russell.  Mr. Russell was in town last week for the final casting and had a hand in picking the cast.

 

Mr. Maroulis plays a young prince, EDUARDO, whose intentions come into question as he pines for KATHERINE, Kristin Piacentile (“When Midnight Strikes,” Off B’way, “Chautauqua!” at The Public) while wooing her best friend MARGO, Lynn Craig (“Cats” nat’l tour, “The Legend of Julie Taymor” – Fringe).  Margo’s billionaire industrialist stepbrother ARMITAGE, played by Paul Jackel (“The Secret Garden,” B’way, “The Fantasticks,” Off B’way) has an eye for antiquities and for Katherine.

 

Rounding out the cast as LORD AND LADY ASHTON are Broadway veterans Beau Allen (“Best Little Whorehouse,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” original production, and “Obama in Naples” opening April 25th at the June Havoc Theater) and Adinah Alexander (slated to for “Kinky Boots” later this year and the original Broadway casts of “Wicked” and “The Wedding Singer”). Other casting includes William Blake (American Idol, season 4); Brian Golub (Disney’s “When In Rome,” film; “Naked Boys Singing,” Off Bway), Georgia Haege (“Lizzie Borden the Musical,” Off Bway, and tours with singer Meatloaf), and Jamie Epstein (“The Velveteen Rabbit,” “The Little Mermaid” with Literally Alive Children’s Theater).

 

Graham Russell, who composed many of Air Supply’s hits, has written four new songs for the musical and is working hands-on with book writer Melissa Bell.  Concurrently, Ms. Bell is working with director Tommy Tune and producer Stevie Phillips (Best Little Whorehouse) on the content development of the new musical “54.”

 

Robyn C. Lee directs. A former Broadway performer (Merlin, 5 6 7 8 Dance!) Ms. Lee has directed several Off Broadway shows (Adore the Spirit, HELP/DESK) and is author of In the Moment: The Art of Being and The Book of TABs: Meditations on Acting Life.

 

David M. Beris is Stage Manager (B’way: “Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life,” The History Boys”) and Jonathan Ivie “Jivie” is Musical Director (“Rock the presidents,” regional). Josh Freilich is Assistant Musical Director.

 

Air Supply will be performing such mega-hits as “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” at BB Kings in NYC on April 20.

LOST IN LOVE is set in England in the early 1900s and has a Downton Abbey feel.  As royalty and emerging American wealth collide, a man and a woman must decide to follow tradition or live for love.

The staged reading is scheduled April 23 & 24 in New York City.  For information on obtaining an invitation, please email LostInLovetheMusical@gmail.com (Industry/invited only).

Press contact: Steve Levesque/Chrissy Sutphin at LUCK Media & Marketing, Inc.

info@luckmedia.com / (818) 232-4175

 

Video Interview with Terese Genecco (without her Her Little Big Band)

I got a rare chance to sit down and chat with Terese  (without her Her Little Big Band) the night after her amazing 3rd Anniversary party and CD release for a sweet one on one. I hope you enjoy it!

For more info on Terese: Facebook       Twitter       Website      The Iridium

ScoBar Entertainment presents: Terese Genecco & Her Little Big Band
at The Iridium, NYC – the 3rd or 4th Tuesday of every month – 8:00 & 10:00 pm

NEW! If you can’t get to the Iridium you can still see many shows LIVE at: http://theiridium.com/iridiumlive/

The Iridium is located at: 1650 Broadway (51st) New York, NY 10019. For reservations (212) 582-2121. www.theiridium.com

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For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to www.broadwaykingdom.com

PRESS RELEASE: CONSTANTINE MAROULIS CAST FOR READING OF LOST IN LOVE THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL

For Immediate Release:

CONSTANTINE MAROULIS CAST FOR READING OF
LOST IN LOVE THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL


Constantine Maroulis, the Tony-nominated star of Rock of Ages and American Idol, has been cast in the role of “Eduardo” for an invited industry-only April reading of “LOST IN LOVE,” a new musical based on the hit songs of AIR SUPPLY.

Constantine Maroulis

Air Supply, the hit making duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, scored seven top five singles in the 1980s with such mega-hits as “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.” Celebrating 35 years since Lost in Love became the fastest selling single in history, Air Supply continues to sell out live concerts world-wide.

Graham Russell, who composed “All Out of Love,” “Lost in Love” and many of Air Supply’s hits, has written four new songs for the musical and is working hands-on with book writer Melissa Bell in developing the new musical, with Robyn Lee to direct.

Maroulis is slated to headline the upcoming Jekyll & Hyde revival later this year.

“LOST IN LOVE” is set in England in the early 1900s and has a Downtown Abbey feel.  As royalty and emerging American wealth collide, a man and a woman must follow tradition or live for love. Maroulis plays Eduardo, a charming Italian prince, in title, but with little means of financial support.

The staged reading is scheduled April 23 & 24 in New York City.  For information on obtaining an invitation, please email LostInLovetheMusical@gmail.com (Industry/invited only).

Press contact: Steve Levesque/Chrissy Sutphin at LUCK Media & Marketing, Inc.

info@luckmedia.com / (818) 232-4175

PRESS RELEASE: TERESE GENECCO CELEBRATES 3 YEARS AT THE IRIDIUM TUESDAY MARCH 20

HUGE CELEBRATION WITH SPECIAL RELEASE OF 
“LIVE FROM THE IRIDIUM NYC!” CD

[haiku url=”http://www.thekingofbroadway.com/downloads/Music/09_Washington_Square.mp3″ title=”Terese’s Washington Square from the new album while you read:”]

The fun-loving and hard-charging singer and bandleader Terese Genecco celebrates both the release of her new CD, “Live from the Iridium NYC,” and the 3rd anniversary of her long-run at the Iridium NYC, 1650 Broadway, in back-to-back shows on Tuesday March 20, at 8pm and 10pm.

Since March of ’09, Genecco and her eight-piece Little Big Band have performed without let-up, clocking over 70 consecutive performances. Produced by ScoBar Entertainment, it’s the longest-running nightclub act on Broadway. The monthly gigs, on the third or fourth Tuesday of the month, are scheduled to continue through the end of 2012.

Joining Genecco for the celebration will be guest vocalist Robert Hicks and a number of surprise special guests. Genecco’s Little Big Band consists of Barry Levitt (piano), Sean Harkness (guitar), Tom Hubbard (bass), Ray Marchica (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion), Kenny Lavender (trumpet), Mark Miller (trombone), and Cliff Lyons (sax).

The Wall Street Journal’s Will Friedwald has written that Genecco “and her three horns and five rhythm put on an unstoppable juggernaut of a set.” Indeed, the bandleader’s retro take on the rat-packing 60’s is completely right for the moment, churning up an electricity that gives today’s L.E.D.-soaked Times Square a rich, cocktail incandescence.

A Bistro Award and two-time MAC Award winner (for Best Recording in 2008, and Best Female Vocalist in 2009), Genecco was also a 2010 MAC Award nominee in the Major Artist category. She just received 2012 MAC Award nominations for Major Artist and for Show of the Year. Her acclaimed tribute to nightclub entertainer Frances Faye, “Drunk With Love” was a Time Out NY Top Ten pick of the year, as was its sequel.

The music charge is $25 with a $10 food and drink minimum. For reservations call 212/582-2121. For more information or to order online visit www.theiridium.com For more about the artist visit www.TereseGeneccoLive.com

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For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway
www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to
www.broadwaykingdom.com

Video Interview with Mayim Bialik (star of Big Bang Theory / Blossom / Beaches)

Beyond The Sling is a new book on Parenting written by Dr. Mayim Bialik.

Dr. you ask? Yes, many of you may remember her as the star of Big Bang Theory, Blossom, Beaches and many more TV shows & voice overs, but did you know that she took time off to get a FEW college degrees?

All this and MANY more fun facts in this amazing interview conducted at the Cafe Blossom – coincidence? I think not! –
on NYC’s Upper West Side on Thursday March 8th at the close of Purim.
Mayim took some time from the wrap party of her book signing tour to speak with me.

Enjoy! (It’s even better in 720p so adjust)

To order “Beyond The Sling” (already in it’s THIRD printing) go to : mayimbialik.net/beyondthesling/

For more info on Mayim go to: mayimbialik.net
Mayim’s Blog: kveller.com/mayim-bialik
facebook.com/officialmayimbialik
twitter.com/missmayim

Brought to you by the NEW www.broadwaykingdom.com

For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway
www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to
www.broadwaykingdom.com

Video Interview with Psych’s Dulé Hill

Elli recently attended the amazing “On Tap” at Joe’s Pub February 1, 2012 6:30pm
The show was hosted by actor/dancer Dulé Hill.
After the show he got the chance to sit down for an interview.

Mr Hill’s many TV and Film credits are listed here on IMDB
Click HERE to see his Theater credits.

For more on Dulé Hill :
www.dulehill.com      twitter.com/dulehill      facebook.com/dulehill 

A HUGE shoutout to Joe’s Pub and Mark Allen for their help!
Check out the other amazing events at Joe’s Pub HERE 

Brought to you by the NEW www.broadwaykingdom.com

For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway
www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to
www.broadwaykingdom.com

Boeing-Boeing at The Paper Mill Playhouse

“Boeing-Boeing”
Paper Mill Playhouse, Milburn, NJ – January 22, 2012 – 7:00 pm
by Elli – The King Of Broadway

Beth Leavel! Beth Leavel! Beth Leavel! If you need more reasons to go see  “Boeing-Boeing” at The Paper Mill Playhouse they would be John Scherer (as Robert), Matt Walton (as Bernard), Anne Horak (as Gretchen), Brynn O’Malley (as Gabriella), and Heather Parcells (as Gloria). Did I mention Tony® Award-winner Beth Leavel (as Bertha)?

James Brennan’s direction of this almost forgotten French farce will surely become the standard by which all future productions will be measured.

The original 1962 French version by Marc Camoletti played in France for 19 years. After being translated into English by Beverley Cross (Maggie Smith’s 2nd husband) it had an amazing run of 7 years on London’s West End; but when brought to Broadway in 1965 it ran for only 23 performances. It was however, made into a funny, if not forgotten, film starring Tony Curtis, Jerry Lewis with Thelma Ritter as Bertha the maid. In 1991,the play was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most performed French play throughout the world. “Boeing-Boeing” was revived in London in at the Comedy Theatre running from February 2007, through January 2008 at which time the London production was once again brought back to Broadway where it had a run of 279 performances.

Which brings us back to: Beth Leavel! Beth Leavel! Beth Leavel!

Beth Leavel in Boeing-Boeing at the Paper Mill Playhouse

Ms. Leavel’s brilliance in this role had me laughing so hard it brought me to tears. Typically Ms. Leavel is dressed to the nines in all of the roles I’ve seen her play, but here she is dressed down to become the schleppy, dowdy  and completely unglamorous maid, Bertha, playing the role as over the top as she can. (She confided in me that her “French” accent is based on the late Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau character). Ms. Level is loud and physical using every body part to convey her disapproval at her boss’s shenanigans, going as far as pratfalls and sloshing around on the floor to the delight of the audience.

Lest you think this review(er) is all about Beth Leavel (sigh), the entire cast shines bright as well.

Matt Walton plays Bernard, a suave and easy on the eyes playboy living the high life in Paris and juggling 3 stewardesses from 3 different airlines with 3 different schedules. Each one thinks that she is engaged to Bernard, until the 747 comes along to modernize the sky and complicate his life. When the ladies’ perfect schedules come undone, so does Bernard.

Lucky for him Robert, an old buddy from college (wonderfully played  by John Scherer as a nebish who comes through in a pinch), decides to look him up on his first trip to Paris. Being invited to stay there after Bernard brags about his  perfect arrangement , Robert is able to witness first hand how the system works and then helps to try and hold it all together when it all comes crashing down.

As the three Stewardesses/Fiancées, Gretchen (Anne Horak), Gabriella (Brynn O’Malley), and Gloria (Heather Parcells), bring their own brand of quirks and madness to the mix making this an outstanding evening of comedy and fun.

I strongly suggest you take a trip out to the Paper Mill Playhouse to see this wonderful production.

Matt Walton, Heather Parcells, Tony® Award-winner Beth Leavel, Anne Horak, Brynn O'Malley and John Scherer

Boeing-Boeing will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday until February 12th. Tickets are on sale starting at $25 and may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, NJ or online at www.papermill.org.

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For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway
www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to
www.broadwaykingdom.com

 

 

Video Interview with Chester Gregory (Sister Act on B’way)

With an impressive list of Broadway roles under his belt – Sister Act as Eddie, Dreamgirls as James “Thunder” Early (National Tour), Hairspray as Seaweed, Tarzan as Terk, The Jackie Wilson Story as Jackie Wilson, Cry Baby as Dupree, Shrek the Musical as Donkey (Seattle tryout, Pre-Broadway), Train is Comin’ as Isaac, Chicago’s Gold Soul, Otis Redding Story – and his new iPhone game UnWord, Chester took on an impressive evening of song, “Chester Gregory & Friends” at the Triad Theater.
Tired as he was, after pouring his amazing energy out to the audience,
we got a chance to chat after the show.

For more information about Chester:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Gregory
www.chestergregory.com
twitter.com/chestergregory
http://unwordgame.com/

Brought to you by the NEW www.broadwaykingdom.com

For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway
www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to
www.broadwaykingdom.com

Video Interview with TV’s Larry Storch (F-Troup)

Elli was recently given the amazing opportunity to interview the iconic actor, Larry Storch.

Larry’s many credits are listed here on IMDB:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0832415/

The interview was held in an equally iconic location,
The Ed Sullivan Room of NYC’s Friar’s Club!

Both Larry and I had a wonderful time so I hope you enjoy this!

Brought to you by the NEW www.broadwaykingdom.com

For more info on Elli – The King of Broadway
www.thekingofbroadway.com

For more interviews & reviews go to
www.broadwaykingdom.com