PRESS RELEASE: THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER 2012 NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL

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PRESS RELEASE

THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER announces
addition of HBO Directors Dialogue series with Ang Lee
at the 2012 NEW YORK FILM FESTIVALViews From the Avant-Garde lineup announced including films by Raúl Ruiz,
João Pedro Rodrigues, Chris Marker, Kevin Jerome Everson,
Ben Rivers and Apichatpong Weerasethakul
World Premieres by David Gatten, Jeff Preiss, Nathaniel Dorksy, Michael Robinson,
Peggy Ahwesh, April Simmons, Laida Lertxundi, Jerome Hiler
and Special Event World Premiere of Peter Kubelka’s MONUMENT FILM.
Views From the Avant-Garde will present Kazuko Trust scholarships
to two filmmakers for the first time
NYFF’s Shorts programs announced

NEW YORK, September 7, 2012 —The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today Ang Lee has been added to the roster of its 2012 NYFF HBO Directors Dialogues participants. FSLC also announced the selections for the 16th edition of NYFF’s Views From the Avant-Garde, the popular yearly touchstone for experimental film around the world as well as the presentation of filmmaker awards from the Kazuko Trust for the first time. In addition, NYFF announced the selections for this year’s short film programs.

Joining the lineup of the popular HBO Directors Dialogues at the New York Film Festival will be Academy-Award winner Ang Lee, the director of NYFF’s Opening Night Gala presentation LIFE OF PI. The Directors Dialogues pair a director with a journalist as they discuss the filmmaker’s career, views on their own approach to making movies as well as the current state of the art of filmmaking. Previously announced were Abbas Kiarostami (LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE), David Chase (NOT FADE AWAY) and Robert Zemeckis (FLIGHT). Lee will be joined by Todd McCarthy (NYFF Selection Committee member and Chief Film Critic, The Hollywood Reporter) in conversation on Saturday, September 29 at 2:30PM.

The selections for the New York Film Festival’s Shorts Programs were also announced with films from Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland and USA represented among the 12 films. The eclectic group of films includes a controversial look at high school shootings (Milad Alami’s NOTHING CAN TOUCH ME), the “making of” soft-porn auteur Russ Meyer (Todd Rosken’s UP THE VALLEY AND BEYOND), Gérard Depardieu as a travelling salesman (Constance Meyer’s FRANK-ETIENNE TOWARD BEAUTITUDE) and a young boy believing his grandfather is actually a zombie (David Moreno’s ZOMBIE).

The 16th edition of Views from the Avant-Garde (October 5-8) once again will offer a robust slate of programming at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center including free-to-the-public screenings in its Amphitheater, as it presents four nights of singular work from the frontiers of innovative moving-image making curated by Mark McElhatten and Gavin Smith and sponsored by Film Armada.

The opening day of Views will kick off with a Special Presentation of Phil Solomon’s “EMPIRE” in a free public presentation with reception in the Elinor Bunin Film Center Amphitheater. The four-day event will conclude with a special day devoted to Avant-Garde master Peter Kubleka, including the U.S. Premiere of Martina Kudlácek;s four hour documentary FRAGMENTS OF KUBELKA and the special multiple projector piece MONUMENT FILM, a World Premiere presented by Peter Kubelka himself.

Other World Premieres will include Michael Robinson’s breakthrough near feature CIRCLE IN THE SAND, Laida Lertxundi’s THE ROOM CALLED HEAVEN. Nathaniel Dorsky‘s APRIL. In addition Jerome Hiler’s ultra rare film works are being presented in original prints in newly edited versions shown for the first time anywhere.

Another World Premiere presentation will be filmmaker, installation artist, producer and cinematographer Jeff Preiss’s STOP. The film is a unique family document, a quiet tour de force, of fleeting lyrical moments accumulating into a heartfelt chronicle of identity and gender transition. Known for his work as a director, and as a cinematographer for Bruce Weber (BROKEN NOSES, LET’S GET LOST), Rosa von Praunheim and others, Preiss has made music videos for R.E.M., Mariah Carey and shown his installation work in many major international museums. After its presentation at Views, STOP will be installed in the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art as part of the upcoming exhibition “Blues for Smoke”.

The presentation of David Gatten’s THE EXTRAVAGANT SHADOWS will also be making its World Premiere. The 3-hour piece is Gatten’s longest work to date and Gatten is currently the subject of a mid-career 14-film exhibition tour TEXTS OF LIGHT originating from the Wexner Center of The Arts. Known for his philosophical and playful 16mm films working with innovative processes of image making, and touching on history, perception, and the art of reading, Gatten has created his first digital magnum opus with THE EXTRAVAGANT SHADOWS.

Views From the Avant-Garde will also announce the inaugural presentation of two $5000 scholarships to Views filmmakers from the Kazuko Trust as part of this year’s event. The filmmakers chosen by Views curators Mark McElhatten and Gavin Smith as well as consulting curator/panelists will be announced in the upcoming weeks. This year’s other panelists for this exciting new award include Nellie Killian film programmer at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and founding director of Migrating Forms and Chris Stults, associate curator in the Film/Video department at the Wexner Center for the Arts.

Said Nora Coblence, executor of the estate of noted jewelry designer, Kazuko Oshima, “When the time came to decide where Kazuko’s funds should go, the Film Society of Lincoln Center seemed like the ideal choice. She loved film with a passion, always supported the Film Society, and was quite avant-garde in so many of her multi-artistic endeavors.”

Additional highlights include a retrospective presentation of Ferdinand Khittl’s rarely seen THE PARALLEL ROAD, as well as tributes to the late Chris Marker (the first NYFF showing of SANS SOLEIL) and Raul Ruiz (the presentation of the fabled but rarely screened THE BLIND OWL).

In addition Views is proud to once again include stellar new work by Deborah Stratman, Janie Geiser, Erin Espele, April Simmons, Mike Gibisser, Ben Russell, Shambhavi Kaul. Dani Leventhal, Fern Silva Ernie Gehr, James Benning, and many others.

Also for the first time this year, web-based film distributor Film Armada has come onboard as a sponsor for Views From the Avant-Garde. Film Armada takes an editorial approach to web-based independent film distribution, focused on building a profitable channel for vanguard cinema.

Other Views presentations of special note:

Luther Price a notorious and perennial favorite at Views from the Avant-Garde will be featured with his first one-person show, A LUTHER PRICE BESTIARY.  Each film screened is a unique art object carefully sculpted, treated, and collaged. Price was included in the 2012 Whitney Biennial where Roberta Smith of the New Times praised his work as one of the outstanding highlights of the exhibition.

The first NYFF showings of Turner prize nominee Luke Fowler, internationally known artist Camille Henrot, and the installation artist and filmmaker, cinematographer, Peter Bo Rappmund.

The presentation of Peggy Ahwesh’s new restoration super 8 to 16mm blow-ups of her infamous and widely celebrated MARTINA’S PLAYHOUSE along with rare screenings of then new restorations of the work of Joe Gibbons. Both artists will be present at the screenings.

The 17-day New York Film Festival highlights the best in world cinema, featuring top films from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent. The selection committee, chaired by Peña also includes: Melissa Anderson, Contributor, Village Voice; Scott Foundas, Associate Program Director, The Film Society of Lincoln Center; Todd McCarthy, Chief Film Critic, The Hollywood Reporter; and Amy Taubin, Contributing Editor, Film Comment and Sight and Sound.

The New York Film Festival is generously sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada, American Airlines, The New York Times, Stella Artois, illy, HBO, Trump International Hotel and Tower, WABC, WNET, the National Endowment for the Arts and New York State Council on the Arts.

General Public tickets will be available September 9th. There will be an advance ticketing opportunity for Film Society of Lincoln Center Patrons and Members prior to that date. For more information visit www.Filmlinc.com/NYFF or call 212 875 5601.

Screening Schedule for VIEWS FROM THE AVANT-GARDE

Friday, October 5
12:00PM  
Location: FRANCESCA BEALE THEATER (FBT)
SANS SOLEIL (1982) 100min
Director: Chris Marker
Country: France

12:30PM
Location: HOWARD GILMAN THEATER (HGT)
THE BLIND OWL (La Chouette Aveugle) (1990) 90min
Director: Raúl Ruiz
Country: France

2:30PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Invisible Attributes – By Sky and on Foot  

Total running time: 85min

THE CREATION AS WE SAW IT (2012) 14min
Director: Ben Rivers
Country: U.K.
SLOW ACTION (2010) 45min
Country: U.K.
MORNING OF SAINT ANTHONY’S DAY (Manhã de Santo António) (2012) 25min
Director: João Pedro Rodrigues
Country: Portugal/France
CONCRETE PARLAY (2012) 18:12min
Director: Fern Silva
Country: USA
WALKER (2012) 26min
Director: Tsai Ming Liang
Country: Hong Kong/Taiwan

3:00PM
Location: HGT
ANDERS, MOLUSSIEN (DIFFERENTLY, MOLUSSIA) (2012) 81min
Director: Nicolas Rey
Country: France

5:30PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Circles of Confusion  

Total running time: 94min
20HZ (2011) 5min
Director: Semiconductor
Country: UK
TENSION BUILDING (2012) 6:50min
Director: Ericka Beckman
Country: USA
COLLECTIONS (2012) 4min
Director: Peggy Ahwesh
Country: USA
INTERSTITIAL PROJECT 1 (2012) 1:45min
Director: Matt McCormick
Country: USA
BIRTHSTONE (2012) 7:43min
Director: April Simmons
Country: USA
2 couplets from The Rain Series:
KISS THE RAIN (2012) 6:02min
Director: Lewis Klahr
Country: USA
THE STREET OF EVERLASTING RAIN (2012) 7:55min
Director: Lewis Klahr
Country: USA
TOKENS AND PENALTIES (2012) 3:59min
Director: Talena Sanders
Country: USA
INTERSTITIAL PROJECT 2 (2012) 2:35min
Director: Matt McCormick
Country: USA
CIRCLE IN THE SAND (2012) 47min – World Premiere
Director: Michael Robinson
Country: USA

6:00PM
Location: HGT
THE PARALLEL ROAD (Die Parallelstrasse) (1962) 86min
Director: Ferdinand Khittl
Country: Germany

8:30PM
Location: FBT
World Premiere
THE EXTRAVAGANT SHADOWS (2012) 175min
Director: David Gatten
Country: USA

9:15PM
Location: HGT
Screening Program:          
Luke Fowler  

Total running time: 80min

A DAY AT KARL MARX’S GRAVE (1983) 19min
Director: Peter von Bagh
Country: Finland
THE POOR STOCKINGER, THE LUDDITE CROPPER AND THE DELUDED FOLLOWERS OF JOANNA SOUTHCOTT (2012) 61min
Director: Luke Fowler
Country: UK

Saturday, October 6
12:00PM
Location: HGT
Screening Program:          
Phantom Residence  

Total running time: 87min

SPECTRE (2011) 5:50min
Director: Sarah Grace Nesin
Country: USA
PHANTOMS OF A LIBERTINE (2012) 10min
Director: Ben Rivers
Country: UK
THE ROOM CALLED HEAVEN (2012) 11min – World Premiere
Director: Laida Lertxundi
Country: USA
MEKONG HOTEL (2012) 60min
Director: Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Country: Thailand

1:30PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Beyond the Borderline  

Total running time: 85min

BEYOND EXPRESSION BRIGHT (2012) 9min
Director: Erin Espelie
Country: USA
THE NAME IS NOT THE THING NAMED (2012) 10:50min
Director: Deborah Stratman
Country: USA
MARSHY PLACE ACROSS (2012) 4:30min
Director: Lorenzo Gattorna
Country: USA
TECTONICS (2012) 60min
Director: Peter Bo Rappmund
Countries: USA/Mexico

2:30PM
Location: HGT
Screening Program:          
Peggy Ahwesh & Joe Gibbons  

Total running time: 94min

MARTINA’S PLAYHOUSE (1989) 20min
Director: Peggy Ahwesh
Country: USA
FROM ROMANCE TO RITUAL (1985) 20min
Director: Peggy Ahwesh
Country: USA
CONFIDENTIAL PT. 2 (1980) 25:50min
Director: Joe Gibbons
Country: USA
SPYING (1977-78) 31:30min
Director: Joe Gibbons
Country: USA

4:15PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Jerome Hiller: New Shores  

Total running time: 55min

IN THE STONE HOUSE (1967-70/2012) 30min
NEW SHORES (2012) 25min

5:00PM
Location: HGT
ANDERS, MOLUSSIEN (DIFFERENTLY, MOLUSSIA) (2012) 81min
Director: Nicolas Rey
Country: France

6:15PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Nathaniel Dorsky  

Total running time: 44min

AUGUST AND AFTER (2012) 18:50min
APRIL (2012) 26min

7:30PM
Location: HGT
Screening Program:          
Invisible Attributes – By Sky and on Foot  

Total running time: 81min
(REPEAT)

8:30PM
World Premiere
Location: FBT
STOP (1995-2012) 120min
Director: Jeff Preiss
Country: USA

10:00PM
Location: HGT
THE BLIND OWL (La Chouette Aveugle) (1990) 90min
Director: Raúl Ruiz
Country: France
(REPEAT)

Sunday, October 7
12:00PM
Location: HGT
Screening Program:          
Nathaniel Dorsky  

Total running time: 44min
AUGUST AND AFTER (2012) 18:50min
APRIL (2012) 26min – World Premiere
(REPEAT)

2:30PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Touch and Go  

Total running time: 93min

QUANDO I VOLTI SI TÒCCANO (2012) 6:44min
Director: Paolo Gioli
Country: Italy
(Courtesy of CIAN (Archivio Nazionale Cnema Impresa, Ivrea)
ARBOR (2012) 7min
Director: Janie Geiser
Country: USA
IMPRESSIONS (2012) 4:29min
Director: Marika Borgeson
Country: USA
POINT DE GAZE (2012) 5min
Director: Jodie Mack
Country: USA
AUDITION (2012) 4min
Director: Karen Yasinsky
Country: USA
QUANDO I CORPI SI TÒCCANO (2012) 3:44min
Director: Paolo Gioli
Country: Italy
(Courtesy of CIAN (Archivio Nazionale Cnema Impresa, Ivrea)
DRAGONFLIES WITH BIRDS AND SNAKE (2011) 60min
Director: Wolfgang Lehmann
Country: Sweden

4:30PM
Location: HGT
SMALL ROADS (2011) 103min
Director: James Benning
Country: USA

2:30PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Doppleganger (The Eternal Return)  

Total running time: 84min

STRATA OF NATURAL HISTORY (2012) 11:45min
Director: Jeannette Muñoz
Countries: Switzerland/Chile
GIRL CHEWING GUM (1976) 12min
Director: John Smith
Country: UK
MAN PHONING MUM (2012) 11:35min
Director: John Smith
Country: UK
INTERSTITIAL PROJECT 3 (2012) 1:55min
Director: Matt McCormick
Country: USA
WAITING ROOM (2012) 8:43min
Director: Vincent Grenier
Country: USA
INTERSTITIAL PROJECT 4 (2012) 2min
Director: Matt McCormick
Country: USA
TRANSIT OF VENUS 1 (2005) 3min
Director: Nicky Hamlyn
Country: UK
TRANSIT OF VENUS 2 (2012) 3min
Director: Nicky Hamlyn
Country: UK
WORK IN PROGRESS (2012) 30:20min
Director: Ernie Gehr
Country: USA

5:15PM
Location: HGT
Screening Program:          
Puzzling Evidence

Total running time: 92min

ACROSS AND DOWN (2012) 18:30min
Director: Lori Felker
Country: USA
HOTEL ROOM (2011) 6min
Director: Bernd Opl
Country: Austria
THE DAY OF TWO NOONS (2012) 67min
Director: Mike Gibisser
Country: USA

7:00PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Atlas Minus… 

Total running time: 94min

THE STRIFE OF LOVE IN A DREAM (2012) 12min
Director: Camille Henrot
Country: France
21 CHITRAKOOT (2012) 9min
Director: Shambhavi Kaul
Countries: USA/India
A FEW EXTRA COPIES (2012) 8:03min
Director: Bobby Abate
Country: USA
17 NEW DAM RD. (2012) 8min
Director: Dani Leventhal
Country: USA
THE VOICE OF GOD (2011) 9:35min
Director: Bernd Lützeler
Countries: India/Germany
THE TOMBIGBEE CHRONICLES NUMBER TWO (2012) 19:13min
Director: Kevin Jerome Everson
Country: USA
CHEVELLE (2012) 7:30min
Director: Kevin Jerome Everson
Country: USA
WADENA (2012) 18:30min
Director: Peggy Ahwesh
Country: USA

9:00PM
Location: HGT
A LUTHER PRICE BESTIARY (2007-12) 90min
Director: Luther Price
Country: USA

10:30PM
Location: FBT
Screening Program:          
Chronocolor

Total running time: 67min

JAKE SEVEN (2012) 4min
Director: Mary Beth Reed
Country: USA
AUSTERITY MEASURES (2012) 8:40min
Directors: Guillaume Callieau & Ben Russell
Countries: France/Greece
ANOTHER VOID (2012) 10:30min
Director: Paul Clipson
Country: USA
WHICH CEASELESSLY FLOAT UP (2012) 15min
Directors: Beige (Vanessa O’Neill & Kent Long)
Country: USA
BLOOM (2012) 11min
Director: Scott Stark
Country: USA
NEVER A FOOT TO FAR, EVEN (2011) 14min
Director: Daichi Saito
Country: Canada
DEEP RED (2012) 7min
Director: Esther Urlus
Country: Netherlands

Monday, October 8
11:15AM
FRAGMENTS OF KUBELKA (2012) 232min
Director: Martina Kudlácek
Country: Austria

7:00PM/9:00PM
World Premiere Special Event
Location: Walter Reade Theater
Screening Program:          
Peter Kubelka: Monument Film 

Total running time: 90min

ARNULF RAINER (1958-60) 6:24min
ANTIPHON (2012) 6:24min
ARNULF RAINER & ANTIPHON – simultaneous projection side by side
ARNULF RAINER & ANTIPHON – superimposed double projection

FREE AMPHITHEATER PROGRAMS

Thursday, October 4
6:00PM
“EMPIRE”
(48min)
Director: Phil Solomon

7:45AM
VULGAR FRACTIONS
(27min)
Director: Peter Bo Rappmund

8:30PM
PONCE DE LEON
(26min)
Directors: Ben Russell & Jim Drain

9:15AM
AGE IS…
(75min)
Director: Steven Dwoskin

Friday, October 5
10:00AM/2:45PM/6:30PM 
AGE IS… (75min)
Director: Steven Dwoskin

11:15AM/4:00PM x3          
VULGAR FRACTIONS (27min)
Director: Peter Bo Rappmund

12:15PM/5:30PM    
“EMPIRE” (48min)
Director: Phil Solomon

1:15PM/7:50PM x2
PONCE DE LEÓN (26min)
Directors: Ben Russell & Jim Drain

1:45PM/10:00PM    
DEEP STATE (43min)
Directors: Brad Butler & Karen Mirza

9:00PM
FOXFUR (55min)
Director: Damon Packard

Saturday, October 6
10:00AM/6:30PM    
AGE IS… (75min)
Director: Steven Dwoskin

11:15AM/4:45PM x2/10:15PM     
“EMPIRE” (48min)
Director: Phil Solomon

12:15PM/1:45PM x6          
VULGAR FRACTIONS (27min)
Director: Peter Bo Rappmund
1:15PM/7:50PM
PONCE DE LEÓN (26min)
Directors: Ben Russell & Jim Drain

8:30PM         
DEEP STATE (43min)
Directors: Brad Butler & Karen Mirza

9:15PM
FOXFUR (55min)
Director: Damon Packard

Sunday, October 7
11:15AM/5:30PM    
“EMPIRE” (48min)
Director: Phil Solomon

12:15PM/4:00PM x3          
VULGAR FRACTIONS (27min)
Director: Peter Bo Rappmund

1:15PM/8:00PM x2
PONCE DE LEÓN (26min)
Directors: Ben Russell & Jim Drain

1:45PM/9:00PM      
DEEP STATE (43min)
Directors: Brad Butler & Karen Mirza

2:45PM/6:30PM      
AGE IS… (75min)
Director: Steven Dwoskin

10:00PM
FOXFUR (55min)
Director: Damon Packard

Monday, October 8
10:30AM/3:00PM x2          
VULGAR FRACTIONS (27min)
Director: Peter Bo Rappmund

11:00AM
PONCE DE LEÓN (26min)
Directors: Ben Russell & Jim Drain

12:00PM       
AGE IS… (75min)
Director: Steven Dwoskin

1:15PM         
“EMPIRE” (48min)
Director: Phil Solomon

NYFF SHORTS PROGRAMS

Program 1 (91min)
A BRIEF HISTORY OF JOHN BALDESSARI (2012) 6min
Directors: Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman
Country: USA
The work and philosophy of Los Angeles’s venerable conceptual artist receives a breathless run-through.

CRESCENDO (2012) 16min
Director: Alonso Alvarez
Country: Mexico
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow: driven by domestic misery, an expectant mother teeters on the brink until a piano intervenes….

FRANK ETIENNE TOWARD BEAUTITUDE (2012) 13min
Director: Constance Meyer
Country: France
A sad sack traveling salesman (Gérard Depardieu—seriously!) gets more than he bargained for on his first day on the job.

SAINT PIERRE (2012) 15min
Director: Kevan Funk
Country: Canada
A dishwasher dreams of mixed martial arts glory, embodied by the eponymous real-life MMA champ.

A STORY FOR THE MODLINS (2012) 26min
Sergio Oksman
Country: Spain
Memorabilia retrieved from the trash help recreate at least one account of a most peculiar American family.

UP THE VALLEY AND BEYOND (2012) 15min
Director: Todd Rosken
Country: USA
All you ever wanted to know about how sexploitation genius Russ Meyer got to be…Russ Meyer.

Program 2 (96min)

CURFEW (2012) 19min
Director: Shawn Christensen
Country: USA
Just before night descends upon him for good, a man is asked to babysit.

KAVINSKY (2011) 13min
Director: Daniel Schraner
Country: Switzerland
A teenager is subjected to a disconcerting living-room interrogation from his date’s father.

NIGHT SHIFT (2012) 15min
Director: Zia Mandviwalla
Country: New Zealand
Salote tries to live under the radar as she starts a new job on the airport’s night shift cleaning crew.

NOTHING CAN TOUCH ME (2012) 29min
Director: Milad Alami
Country: Denmark
Surviving a black day at high school, a teenage outcast is forced to go house calling with a vengeance.

THINGS I HEARD ON WEDNESDAYS (2012) 9min
Director: Abu Bakr Shawky
Country: Egypt
A cache of photos and home movies forms a nostalgic bitter-sweet collage of family and national history.

ZOMBIE (2012) 13min
Director: David Moreno
Country: Spain
A young boy tries to make sense of his aging grandfather.

Film Society of Lincoln Center
Under the leadership of Rose Kuo, Executive Director, and Richard Peña, Program Director, the Film Society of Lincoln Center offers the best in international, classic and cutting-edge independent cinema. The Film Society presents two film festivals that attract global attention: the New York Film Festival, currently planning its 50th edition, and New Directors/New Films which, since its founding in 1972, has been produced in collaboration with MoMA. The Film Society also publishes the award-winning Film Comment Magazine, and for over three decades has given an annual award—now named “The Chaplin Award”—to a major figure in world cinema. Past recipients of this award include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks. The Film Society presents a year-round calendar of programming, panels, lectures, educational programs and specialty film releases at its Walter Reade Theater and the new state-of-the-art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center.
The Film Society receives generous, year-round support from Royal Bank of Canada, American Airlines, The New York Times, Stella Artois, the National Endowment for the Arts and New York State Council on the Arts. For more information, visit www.filmlinc.com and follow #filmlinc on Twitter.

Press Release: PEREZ HILTON JOINS NEWSical the Musical

PEREZ HILTON JOINs the CAST OF the OFF-BROADWAY sensation, NEWSical the Musical

New York, NY:  The internet’s most notorious gossip columnist Perez Hilton joins the cast of the uproarious off-Broadway musical revue, NEWSical the Musical, for four weeks only beginning Saturday, September 8th.  From John Travolta, Anderson Cooper, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to the national fight for marriage equality and the 2012 Presidential Election, NEWSical the Musical sets all of today’s biggest news and pop culture headlines to song. With Hilton’s arrival, award-winning composer-lyricist Rick Crom will add new satirical spoofs to the show including a Chick-fil-A number and a song about the phenomenon of Perez Hilton that will be performed by the man himself. Perez Hilton will begin preview performances on Saturday, September 8th.   The opening night press performance will be Monday, September 17th.

“Dreams do come true, if you believe. And I BELIEVE, big time!”, says Perez Hilton from his Los Angeles home. “I am beyond thrilled, nervous and zen about making my New York theater debut. It’s gonna be a wild ride in a show that guarantees to put smiles on people’s faces. It will be no holds barred! Pure unadulterated fun!

I expect to have the time of my life and look forward to hugging happy theatergoers after each show!”

“What do you do when your show needs to sell tickets?  You bring in a celebrity,” says producer Tom D’Angora of his decision to add Perez Hilton to NEWSical the Musical. “Perez Hilton was the perfect choice because our show is basically the musical version of his highlarious website. If you are a daily reader of Perez like I’ve been since 2007, you know how funny and charismatic he is. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him as the newest member of our talented cast.”

NEWSical the Musical is the ever-evolving, completely un-sanitized musical mockery of all the news that’s fit to spoof.  The Associated Press calls it “The Daily Show set to music!” The show was named Best New Musical of 2011 by the Off Broadway Alliance. Infectious melodies, razor-sharp lyrics, biting satire and more unpredictability than a Courtney Love tweet make NEWSical a laugh-filled, high octane musical revue of all the most talked-about headlines of the day.

In addition to Perez Hilton, NEWSical the Musical features Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway, Talk Radio), Christina Bianco (Drama Desk nominee, Forbidden Broadway), Michael West (Forbidden Broadway, When Pigs Fly), Tommy Walker (Evil Dead The Musical), Amy Griffin (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and Ryan Knowles (host of Nickelodeon’s ME:TV).

Rick Crom has appeared on Broadway in Urinetown, Footloose and The Goodbye Girl and on FX’s critically – acclaimed series “Louie” starring comedian Louis C.K. NEWSical is directed by Mark Waldrop (When Pigs Fly, My Deah, Inventing Avi, Papermill Playhouse’s Gypsy). Rounding out the creative team are Ed Goldschneider (music director), Jason Courson (set designer), Josh Starr (lighting designer) and Scott Delacruz (stage manager).

Newsical the Musical is produced by Tom D’Angora (Naked Boys Singing!, ICONS, Broadway Diva Christmas, Divas I’ve Done).

NEWSical the Musical plays at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street). Tickets are $85 – $110 and can be purchased through Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 279-4200 or (800) 432-7250. For performance schedule and more information visit www.NEWSicalthemusical.com.

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 PRESS INQUIRES:

Len Evans, Tel: 212-445-0066

Len.Evans@ProjectPublicity.com

About Perez Hilton

Since launching the celebrity entertainment blog PerezHilton.com in 2004, Perez Hilton has created a media empire that spans across online, publishing, television, radio, music and live events. In addition to his PerezHilton.com blog, which has become one of the leading sources for celebrity news amassing over 300 million hits a month, Hilton runs five additional digital properties focused on fashion, fitness, family, animals and a mobile app. Hilton has published three books, hosted and appeared on numerous television programs and has taken on the role of a music manager for such as recordings artists as IM5, CJ Baran, Kalie Shorr, VanJess and MattyB, among others. Hilton also created the hugely successfully music event series “One Night In…” in 2008, which features up-and-coming and top musical acts. On radio, Hilton is host to the twice-daily celebrity and entertainment news feature “Radio Perez” and most recently announced, the upcoming “Perez Nights Live.” Hilton was named the #1 Web Celeb in 2007, 2008, and 2009 by Forbes Magazine, one of the 15 most influential Hispanics in the US by People en Espanol, the 2009 Hispanic of the Year by Hispanic Magazine, one of Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2007’ and as a tastemaker, Newsweek has compared his influence on the music scene to Oprah’s book club. Visit Perez Hilton online at www.perezhilton.com. Follow Perez Hilton on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/PerezHilton and @perezhilton.

PRESS RELEASE: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY RETURNS TO NYC FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

GERARD ALESSANDRINI’S FORBIDDEN BROADWAY

RETURNS TO NEW YORK

FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

WITH

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY:
ALIVE AND KICKING

NOW IN PREVIEWS

AT THE 47TH STREET THEATRE

OPENING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 6TH

 

After a three-year absence, Gerard Alessandrini’s FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, one of NYC’s best-loved and highly anticipated productions, returns to the 47th Street Theatre (304 West 47th Street – just west of Eighth Avenue) with a brand new edition, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: ALIVE AND KICKING. The show is now in previews,  with an opening set for Thursday, September 6th.    FORBIDDEN BROADWAY; ALIVE AND KICKING will play a limited engagement through January 6, 2013.  This production will mark FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’s 30th Anniversary, as well as its 21st edition.

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY; ALIVE AND KICKING returns with Gerard Alessandrini’s take on Porgy and Bess, Once, Evita, Anything Goes, Follies, Spiderman, Newsies, Book of Mormon, Nice Work if You Can Get It, and Death of a Salesman, among others.

Featured in the cast are Natalie Charlé Ellis, Scott Richard Foster, Jenny Lee Stern and Marcus Stevens.

 In a statement, Gerard Alessandrini said: “Over the past three years, I sat through show after show, with no outlet at all. Finally, I couldn’t take it any more. Now I have 3 years worth of pent-up parodies, and am blessed with a season that has practically written itself. We were able to get our favorite Forbidden Broadway theatre again, but only for a limited chunk of time. But that should more than long enough to say everything we have to say, and then come back to New York again, from time to time. ”

This edition is created and written by Gerard Alessandrini, and directed by Mr. Alessandrini and Phillip George, with musical direction by David Caldwell.  Costumes are designed by Philip Heckman, with set design by Jesse Poleshuck, lighting design by Mark T. Simpson and wig design by Bobbie Cliffton Zlotnik.  The show is produced by John Freedson, Harriet Yellin and Paul Bartz, in association with Paul G. Rice, Carol Ostrow, Paxton Quigley, Robert Driemeyer, Jamie DeRoy, Lawrence Poster and Tweiss Productions.

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY has been an unstoppable force in theatre since 1982, when Gerard Alessandrini created the first edition that lampooned the Broadway shows and stars of the day.  It has been a favorite among theatre lovers, as well as the Broadway stars themselves (Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Patti Lupone, Stephen Sondheim, Raul Esparza, Tyne Daly, Christine Ebersole, Bernadette Peters, Whoopi Goldberg Cameron Mackintosh, and Hal Prince, to name a few) who often stop by to laugh at themselves alongside the public.  FORBIDDEN BROADWAY has won numerous awards in its history including a Special Tony® Award as well as Drama Critics’ Circle, Obie, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and Lucille Lortel Awards.  A theatrical institution, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY has received national and international notoriety having performed in over 200 US cities as well as engagements in Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney and London’s Meniere Chocolate Factory.

GERARD ALESSANDRINI (Creator, Writer & Director) is best known for writing and directing all the editions of Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Hollywood in New York, Los Angeles, and London and around the world. He was also a member of the original cast of Forbidden Broadway. Gerard is from Needham, Massachusetts and the Boston area, where he graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music. In 1982, he created Forbidden Broadway, which has spawned 18 editions, 8 cast albums and a record-breaking 30-year- run in New York. Television credits include writing comedy specials for Bob Hope and Angela Lansbury on NBC, Carol Burnett on CBS and “Masterpiece Tonight,” a satirical revue saluting “Masterpiece Theatre” on PBS. He can be heard on four of the eight FB cast albums and on the soundtracks of Disney’s Aladdin & Pocahontas. Directing credits include many corporate industrials and regional musicals, including a production of Maury Yeston’s musical In the Beginning. Gerard also co-directed a revival of Irving Berlin’s final musical Mr. President, which he updated & “politically corrected.” Gerard is the recipient of an Obie Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, two Lucille Lortel Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drama League and three Drama Desk Awards for Best Lyrics for Forbidden Broadway. He received the 2006 Tony® Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. Most recently his Madame X: The Musical won acclaim and multiple awards at the 2011 NYMF Festival; his holiday extravaganza The Nutcracker and I, written with Peter Brash was a smash at the George Street Theatre, and he is currently collaborating with Paul Mazursky and Bill Conti on a musical version of Mr. Mazursky’s film Moon Over Parador.

PHILLIP GEORGE (Director) is a director and writer.  As director Off-Broadway: Shout!, The Road to Qatar (York Theatre Company), Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab, Forbidden Broadway SVU, Forbidden Hollywood, Whoop-Dee-Doo (Drama Desk Award, Best Musical Revue), Forbidden Broadway Twentieth Anniversary Edition, and many other editions of this infamous revue series.  Along the way, Forbidden Broadway was also honored with a special Tony for long time achievement.  He has also directed musicals in London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Boston, etc., with Forbidden Broadway transferring to the West End.   With his longstanding collaborator Peter Morris, Phill also wrote Frankly Scarlett, which played at the Kings Head Theatre in London.  In addition to his directing assignments, he is also one of the writers of High Hair and Jalapenos, which skewers all things Texas and is currently preparing for the fifth edition.   When not directing and writing, Phill is on the staff of the American Musical and Dramatics Academy where he passes on some of the wisdom he acquired along the way.

DAVID CALDWELL (Music Director) has been the music director of Forbidden Broadway since 2004. He composed music and lyrics for All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and Uh-Oh Here Comes Christmas, both based on the writing of Robert Fulghum. He also composed music for Fulghum’s novel Third Wish. He conducted the American premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden. He recently music-directed two shows in China, with Inner Mongolian authors and casts. He arranged and orchestrated Marvin Hamlisch’s new song “I’m Really Dancing” for Career Transitions for Dancers’ 25th Anniversary Gala, featuring Angela Lansbury, Chita Rivera and Bebe Neuwirth. His new show, Gotta Getta Girl, was featured in the NYMF Reading Series. He is interviewed at length in Oliver Sacks’ book about music and the brain, Musicophilia.

PHILIP HECKMAN  (Costume Designer) is an Emmy-nominated costume designer for daytime television’s As the World Turns. He recently completed the New York run of My Big Gay Italian Wedding. Other Off-Broadway credits include SHOUT! The Mod Musical, Go-Go Beach, We’re Still Hot!, Are You There God? It’s Me, Ann-Margret, Marry Me A Little, I Love My Wife, Enough About Me and The Very Worst of Varla Jean Merman (Garland Award). Television credits include commercials, promos and shorts for LOGO, MTV, and VH1. Philip has also worked on several Broadway productions as a costume design assistant including Born Yesterday, The Boy From Oz, Chicago, Cry Baby, Democracy, Flower Drum Song, Follies, Frost/Nixon, The Graduate, Kiss Me Kate, Mamma Mia, Sideshow and Spamalot. Philip received his MFA in costume design from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

The playing schedule for FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: ALIVE AND KICKING is as follows: Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7:30pm, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.  Tickets are $29-$79. Premium Tickets are available at $110.Tickets can be purchased by calling Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com

 

www.forbiddenbroadway.com

LOST IN LOVE, THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL, TO BE PRESENTED BY THE TRIAD TO BENEFIT THE ACTORS FUND

LOST IN LOVE, THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL, TO BE PRESENTED BY THE TRIAD TO BENEFIT THE ACTORS FUND, STARRING CONSTANTINE MAROULIS, ANDREA MCARDLE and JUSTIN MATTHEW SARGENT, WITH AIR SUPPLY’S GRAHAM RUSSELL

The cast includes Tony-nominated actor Constantine Maroulis (“Rock of Ages,” “American Idol”) Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original “Annie,” and Justin Matthew Sargent (“Rock of Ages”). Graham Russell of Air Supply will be performing on guitar.

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.

Rounding out the cast are Beau Allen (“Best Little Whorehouse,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”); Wren Harrington (“Phantom of the Opera”); William Blake (“American Idol” Season 4); Jamie Epstein (“Velveteen Rabbit,” “Little Mermaid” with Literally Alive Children’s Theater); Daphne Thompson (TV: “Delocated,” Fashion: Selena Gomez); Wade Walton (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”).

Air Supply, the hit-making duo of Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell, met performing in a two-year Aussie tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The show features all the romance expected by Air Supply fans, along with some of their biggest hits: “All Out of Love,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” all newly arranged by musical director Jonathan Ivey “Jivie” and Josh Freilich.

Set in the 1900s, the show has a “Downton Abbey” feel, and a man and a woman must decide to follow tradition or live for love.

EVENT RECAP:

“LOST IN LOVE” Benefit for the ACTORS FUND
The Triad
Tuesday June 5, 2012
5 p.m.
158 W 72nd St.
New York, NY 10023
Tickets:
$35 Mezzanine (plus 2 drink cash minimum)
$50 General Admission (plus 2 drink cash minimum)
$100 Premium Seating (limited amount; plus 2 drink cash minimum), includes an exclusive Meet & Greet and photo op with Graham Russell and the cast.

For information and tickets, see the Triad Theater website: http://www.triadnyc.com/
or call 24/7 ticket hotline at (800) 838-3006.

###

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone—performers and those behind the scenes—who works in performing arts and entertainment, helping more than 12,800 people directly each year, and hundreds of thousands online. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund’s programs include social services and emergency assistance, health care and insurance, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has—for 130 years—been a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org

PRESS RELEASE: THE BROADWAY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES THE 2012 LEAGUE AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BROADWAY LEAGUE PRESENTS
2012 LEAGUE AWARDS

AT ANNUAL SPRING ROAD CONFERENCE TO:

Tom Gabbard, Wayne McWorter, Judith Lisi, Meredith Blair,
American Express, Fifth Third Bank, Michael C. Steindorf,
The Max 102.3 Louisville KY

HONORING EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT FOR
TOURING BROADWAY

(New York, NY) May 15, 2012 – The honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were announced today during the Broadway League’s 2012 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, commented, “Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. We’re pleased to present The League Awards to active members across the country whose accomplishments consistently impress us and our industry! The hard word and constant dedication of these outstanding people and companies enables The Broadway League to carry out our missions each and every day.”

Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management (Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award) was given to TOM GABBARD of Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, NC for demonstrating excellence in management. (presented by Jeff Chelesvig)
Under the leadership of Gabbard, Blumenthal Performing Arts has become one of the leading Road Presenters in the country. He is a former member of the Board of Governors and a multiple co-chair of the Spring Road Conference, as well as a managing member of the Independent Presenters Network. Under Gabbard’s direction, 9 to 5 The Musical embarked on a national tour during the 2010-2011 season and Blumenthal Performing Arts has received its first Broadway above title producing credit with The Mountaintop. Gabbard also actively pursues various methods for Road Presenters to bring more touring products to the United States.

Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing was given to WAYNE MCWORTER of the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, CA for his dedication and creation of an in-house marketing department. (presented by Anita Dloniak and Laura Matalon)

Starting from scratch, McWorter has created relationships for the Pantages Theatre that allowed shows to gain the most visibility in the market and ultimately increase attendance. Although the economy had previously been in a downturn, the rise of theatrical subscriptions was largely due to McWorter’s efforts. His innovative ideas generate publicity for the theatre’s productions while raising awareness for potential audiences.

JUDITH LISI was bestowed the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award. (presented by Al Nocciolino)

President and CEO of the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts located in Tampa, Florida, Ms. Lisi has accomplished much in the ten years she has been involved with the organization. Through her outstanding leadership, she has improved and expanded the Straz Center’s programming and established financial security while meeting several long-term goals.

The George MacPherson Road Award was presented to MEREDITH BLAIR. (presented by Lauren Reid)

President of The Booking Group, one of the highest-generating booking agencies in the Broadway touring field, Blair has overseen numerous tours over her fourteen years, including RENT, In The Heights, Mamma Mia!, and West Side Story, among others. She has also served as the Vice President of Premier Artists Services, where she booked numerous stars. During her time there, her tour direction of the “Ultimate Event” with Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra, set international box office records.
STAR OF TOURING BROADWAY AWARDS, designed to honor board members, government officials, donors and volunteers who have given support to promote and enrich the Broadway Series in their hometowns, were given to: (announced by Larry Payton)

American Express – American Express has teamed with Broadway Across America, utilizing strategic marketing techniques to bring the unique experience of touring Broadway productions across the nation.
Fifth Third Bank – Joining Cincinnati’s series in its inaugural season, Fifth Third Bank eventually went on to become the Name in Title Sponsor as well as expanding to Columbus and Atlanta. They have maintained the visibility of touring Broadway in the Midwest for over 25 years and continue to improve upon their tactics.

Michael C. Steindorf – Serving as a volunteer, patron, and member of Dallas Summer Musicals’ Executive Committee since 2004, Mr. Steindorf has guided the organization for numerous years. Under his leadership, DSM has reduced its budget while maintaining exemplary productions.

The Lambert and Lindsay Show at The Max 102.3 in Louisville, KY – To announce the 2012-2013 season, the station had the innovative idea to do a live broadcast from New York City from the Corporate Offices of Broadway.com. With live airings and interviews with casts and creative teams, their Louisville audiences were able to have an insider’s look at Broadway.
# # #

The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BroadwayLeague.

PRESS RELEASE: Lee Summers’ “Just A Piano” Concert Series

Press Contact:
Triadbookings06@aol.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

Lee Summers’ “Just A Piano” Concert Series

Proudly Presents

 PORGY AND BESS’

Wilkie Ferguson, III

 New York, New York – May 7, 2012 – PORGY AND BESS’ WILKIE FERGUSON, III SET FOR SOLO CONCERT AT THE TRIAD 6/11/2012.

Wilkie Ferguson,III, currently performing in the ten-time Tony Award nominated The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess on Broadway, makes his NYC solo concert debut at The Triad Theater (158 West 72nd Street) on June 11th, 2012 at 9:30pm! Special guests include Tony Nominee Joshua Henry.

 In his concert, “Love, Uncensored…” Wilkie takes us on a candid journey through the ups and downs of relationships past and present, explaining how he got to where he is today.  Spoiler alert:  It wasn’t easy and sometimes wasn’t pretty!   “The music ranges from Stevie Wonder to Sondheim (thanks for the extra press, by the way ;)) with some original compositions” says Ferguson.

 Love, Uncensored… is a presentation of Lee Summers’ Just A Piano Concert Series, which celebrates its sixth year at the Triad Theatre.  Since 2006 the Just A Piano Series has presented top recording artists, Broadway stars, and Tony and Grammy Award Winners in a beautiful intimate setting.

Tickets for “Love, Uncensored…” can be purchased in advance online (highly recommended due to theater size) or at the door for $15 (2 drink minimum, cash only).  For more information and to purchase tickets,

visit

www.brownpapertickets.com/event/247652

 The Triad Theatre is located at 158 West 72nd Street (between Broadway & Columbus)

Follow Wilkie on twitter @wilkieferguson

Arje Shaw’s “MOOLAH” An Industry Reading May 7th 2012

On Monday, May 7th 2012, I was privileged to be invited to a reading of Arje Shaw’s newest play, Moolah starring Joe Pantoliano and Mario Cantone.

Directed by Charles Messina, (The Accidental Pervert), Moolah is fast moving, one word, Who’s On First type vaudvilian humor and it’s very enjoyable. Here’s what the invitation said about it:

MOOLAH tells the story of two con men who fall out of favor with the Mob.
Ant’ny is a dandy, sharp-talking shyster and small-time bookie.
His younger cousin Sonny, a gay hit man, runs a hair salon by day and moonlights as a contract killer by night. Sonny’s salon slogan: cut by day, clip by night.

This darkest of comedies reveals the fortunes and misfortunes of the two in a “Waiting for Godot” meets “The Sopranos” thriller which penetrates the core issues of love, money and sexuality.

These men are desperate.
Each one with a bounty on his head.
Each one conning the other only to discover they have only conned themselves.

I got a chance to chat with Messrs Pantoliano, Cantone and Shaw after the reading and they were wonderful to chat with as you will see below. Enjoy!

Oh, and if you’d like to become a Producer of Moolah and help see this marvelous piece go to Broadway by investing, please contact Mr. Shaw by email and tell him Elli at broadwaykingdom sent you!

Special thanks to Chinua Thomas for Videography.

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

 

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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