Treasure CHESS

Try saying that 3 times really fast.... "Treasure Chess, Treasure Chess, Treasure Chess!!!"

SUPER NEW RELEASE TUESDAY part 2...

Also released yesterday was a dvd and a cd of CHESS in concert featuring Josh Groban, Adam Pascal, and a pair of Elphaba's Idina Menzel and Kerry Ellis.

AND.... it airs tonight on PBS!!!!!!!!!!

Here's a promo.

The concert was filmed last year at Royal Albert Hall. From what I heard yesterday and have seen on youtube, standouts are Mr. Groban and Kerry Ellis!

Here's an interview with Josh Groban about the show.

Here are links to purchase the dvd and 2 editions of the cd... double disc and highlights.

Omigod and Leapin' Lizards, you guys!

Here are the orphans from the national tour of ANNIE performing "Omigod You Guys" from Legally Blonde at a benefit for BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition.) The girl playing Molly cracks me up!

Falling for Broadway...

It's been a few days... so much has happened!  The Tony's have come and gone.  

Here is a great recap... from THE GREAT WHITE WAY REPORT featuring Samantha Souza and Coleman Taylor-Drew.

Check out their other videos.

seven ate ___.

Check out out the new trailer for the movie version of the musical NINE!

This looks amazing!!!!! It's directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago) and has an ALL-STAR CAST including Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, and Fergie (YES that Fergie.)  I'm blown away by her vocals in this clip.

Here is the link.  You can download it for your ipod!

The movie open November 25.

NPH and BWAY

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS IS HOSTING THE TONY'S THIS YEAR!  Very excited!  He was wonderful hosting the TVLand awards. 

Can't wait!  The Tony's air Sunday June 7 on CBS!

Here's a SOUL-ful Neil on Sesame Street.

The Phantom Menace II Society

Love the album ARE A DRAG from punk band ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES.  It is an entire album of show tune covers.... done punk style.

Here is a fan video of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA using footage from the movie.

I also really love their version of  SCIENCE FICTION DOUBLE FEATURE from THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  The whole album is pretty darn great.  Check it out!!

Also, last year American Idol winner DAVID COOK performed a wonderful version of MUSIC OF THE NIGHT on the show.  

"Totally FOLK-ed!"

This morning as I was eating my bowl of Berry Berry Kix, I came across an article online about a new broadway cover album by RACHEL BAY JONES called SHOWFOLK (folk covers of showtunes!) It looked interesting so I went to itunes and heard some samples... and really really liked what I heard.

I impulse-downloaded the album, listened to it all day, and LOVE IT.  I really dig the variety of her selections.  She opens with a great version of BREEZE OFF THE RIVER from THE FULL MONTY (great tune.)  There are covers from newer shows WICKED, SPRING AWAKENING, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, RENT... and also classics from ON THE TOWN and MAN OF LA MANCHA.  

Favorites besides BREEZE OFF THE RIVER are ANOTHER DAY (Rent), LUCKY TO BE ME (On The Town), and a wonderful version of GONNA BUILD A MOUNTAIN (Stop The World - I Want To Get Off).  I feel these tunes in particular get a very fresh interpretation on the album.

Check it out.  You won't be sorry!  This is really stunning music.

When you see a guy reach for stars in the sky...

you can bet that he's doing it for some doll!

Saw friends in a fun production of GUYS AND DOLLS tonight.  Here is one of my favorite covers from a song in that musical.  

PERRY COMO

and BETTY HUTTON (love her!)

singing BUSHEL AND A PECK!

available on itunes here!

another hundred people just got off of the train...

Love the song ANOTHER HUNDRED PEOPLE from the musical COMPANY!

Here is a clip of the Pamela Myers singing this great Sondheim song.  The clip is from a great documentary about the making of the 1970 Original Cast Album. 

The documentary "COMPANY" is available for purchase.

 

Also available for purchase is the dvd of the recent revival.

There is a FABULOUS cover of ANOTHER HUNDRED PEOPLE by the a cappella group THE SWINGLE SINGERS.   It is on their album 1812.  Check it out here.  Highly recommended!!!

(top photo "Another Hundred People"taken by John Branch "Photogrammaton."  Found on www.flickr.com)

filled with GLEE!

Very excited about GLEE... a new tv show from Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy debuting on FOX next fall.  

The cast has a plethora of Broadway talent.  It stars Matthew Morrison (Hairspray's original Link Larkin) as a spanish teacher who takes over the "worst high school glee club in America!"

His parents will be played by Victor Garber and Debra Monk.  The chorus "diva" is Lea Michele (Spring Awakening.)  It was just announced that Kristin Chenoweth will play a recurring role that is being kept a secret.  (She is also going to be on David E. Kelley's new show LEGALLY MAD.)  The brilliant Jayne Lynch (Best in Show) will also be on the show as the egotistical cheerleading coach.  

GLEE will feature several musical numbers per episode! 

While the show will air next fall, FOX will show the debut May 19 after the final American Idol performance show.  I'm excited to see it, but it IS kind of weird scheduling having to wait over 3 months for episode 2.  Hopefully it will get good ratings following Idol though.  

Here's the promo....

...with the fringe on top

If you enjoyed Hugh Jackman singing on the Academy Awards, check out his wonderful performance in Oklahoma.  Here he sings SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP.  

You can watch the entire 1998 West End production on dvd.

...and here's a beautiful cover of SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP by sweet Blossom Dearie who passed away last month.  If you haven't done so, check out my humble little tribute to her.

One swingular sensation... every little WEB he makes!

If you haven't heard, it was officially announced last week that a Spiderman musical called SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK will be making it's debut on Broadway next year.  Julie Taymor (Broadway's THE LION KING and ACROSS THE UNIVERSE) will direct and music will be by Bono and the Edge of U2! 

I loved what Ms. Taymor did with THE LION KING and thought ACROSS THE UNIVERSE was amazing, so I'm actually pretty excited.  This will no doubt be an artistic take on the Spiderman.

A press release stated, “Spider-Man’s battles will hurtle the audience through an origin story both recognizable and unexpected — yielding new characters as well as familiar faces — until a final surprising confrontation casts a startling new light on this hero’s journey.” Julie has also said that the musical will feature a "GEEK" chorus of 3 teenage boys and one girl!

Rumored to star (and this is a rumor) are Evan Rachel Wood and possibly Jim Sturgess (the 2 co-stars of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE)

You can sign up for more info at the official website...

Until it's debut in February 2010, check out this truly swingin' take on the Spiderman Theme by hep cat Michael Buble'.

Here's a link to Buble's version.

I'm a little bit country... I'm a little bit BROADWAY!

(Love her!)

(Love him!)

Do you lie awake at night praying that country music stars and broadway stars will someday join as one and make beautiful music together?

Well if so.... this is for you! 

Here is an audio recording of stage/screen actor Patrick Wilson and country superstar/American Idol winner singing SUDDENLY SEYMORE from a 2005 benefit concert "Broadway Meets Country."

Perhaps you will let me indulge you with another wonderful cover from each of them?

Here's a beautiful very informal rendition of IF I LOVED YOU from Carousel.

Carrie underwood sang a very touching cover of the Pretenders' I'LL STAND BY YOU for the first "Idol Gives Back" concert.

Glutton for Sutton

I absolutely love Broadway sweetheart SUTTON FOSTER.  She is currently appearing in SHREK the musical.  I had the great pleasure of seeing her in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.  In both shows she absolutely stopped the show.

Here are some show clips of her...

...in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

...and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN...

Today she released her debut solo cd WISH.  It is a wonderful eclectic mix of jazz standards, pop covers, and Broadway tunes.

At first listen, my favorites include I'M BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT, THE LATE LATE SHOW, UP ON THE ROOF, AIR CONDITIONER, the John Denver tune SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS, and FLIGHT.  Also there is a wonderful version of WARM ALL OVER from THE MOST HAPPY FELLA (my favorite track!)

Here is a great video about the making of the video.  

Stage Door Johnny

Just discovered a really cool album of Broadway covers the other day.  It is by Broadway Theater vet John Miller.  He has been the music coordinator for over 100 Broadway/off-Broadway shows.  This is his first solo cd and it is really great.

There are some really nice fresh versions of Broadway classics.  WOULDN'T IT BE LOVERLY has a James Taylor vibe to it,  I WON'T GROW UP gets funky, and you hear I CAN'T SAY NO from a guy's perspective!  

John doesn't have the world's best voice, but I really dig the interpretations.  He reminds me of a cross between James Taylor and jazz artist John Pizzarelli. 

Check him out on itunes and hear samples.

Will you sign my yearbook?

Playbillstore.com is having a crazy winter sale on Broadway merchandise right now.  Some merchandise is up to 70% off!

In 2005 they started releasing a "Broadway Yearbook" for each season.  This annual publication is designed like a real yearbook.  It contains all the shows that ran that year.  You will find the information found in the playbill for each show AND such items as "Favorite snack food of the cast," "Gathering place/favorite off-site hangout," "memorable ad-lib/favorite moments."  There are also show pictures and candid shots.

There have been 4 published editions which normally run $29.95 - $35.00 each.  Right now they are $7.00 - $10.00 each or $29.99 for all 4 volumes!!!! That is a wonderful deal.  They are hardcover and each book is at least 400 pages.  I have them and they are really fun.  If you visited NY a particular year, it's fun to get the yearbook from that year!

Here is the link for these books as well as other clearance items.

Speaking of yearbooks, here is my "Senior Picture" from high school back in 1996.  I wanted to stand out with an "artistic shot."  Can you believe THIS picture was in the yearbook!!!!!  Also, the photographer really liked the picture and had it blown up and displayed it in the mall.  How embarrassing!!!

John Mayer - THE MUSICAL?

Broadway star Audra McDonald's 2006 solo album "Build A Bridge" included many fascinating covers.  On this album she often goes outside of the box of "Musical Theatre Songs." 

One of the wonderful surprises for me was a lovely version of John Mayer's "MY STUPID MOUTH."  The lyrics work extremely well when sung by a woman, and this could actually be a theater "character song."

Other cool covers on this album include Rufus Wainwright's "Damned Ladies," Nellie McKay's "I Wanna Get Married," and the Elvis Costello/Burt Bacharach collaboration "God Give Me Strength."

She also sings theater songs from composers Adam Guettel (Light in the Piazza) and Ricky Ian Gordon.

5...4...3...2...1.... Happy New Year!

There are so many Christmas albums out there, but where is the perfect New Year's Album? Well, look no further... I would like to introduce "Striking 12!"  It's a concert Broadway show written by the band Groovelily.

"Striking 12" is based on Hans Chistian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl."  The three members of Groovelily (Valerie Vigoda, Brendan Milburn, and Gene Lewin) play all the characters and play their instruments at the same time (violin, piano, and drums!) The show has wonderful music written in a similar style to Jason Robert Brown ("A New World," "The Last 5 Years.")  Kenneth Jones from Playbill Online writes, "Striking 12 may be the best new American musical that nobody has heard of."

Here's a clip.

Here is a link to i-tunes if you want to ring in the new year Musical Theater style.

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and blessed 2009!

KRISTIN the night away!

I know it's a little early to be talking about Christmas music... most of the new releases for Christmas 2008 DO come out today or next week.... but I will wait a little longer to talk about all the releases (at least till after Halloween.)  There ARE some REALLY good ones this year.   However, there is one I cannot wait to tell you about.

I had no idea this album was coming out... so I jumped up and down a little (ok maybe a lot) when I learned yesterday that Broadway/tv/movie darling Kristin Chenoweth is releasing a Christmas album.

It's called "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas"...  and it is absolutely BREATHTAKING!!!!  

I face a huge dilemma each year about how early I can pull out the holiday cd's.  One does not want to overdose on holiday cheer too early...  I've decided to "adapt" the fashion rule...  "You shouldn't listen to 'White CHRISTMAS' until AFTER Labor Day."   Since it's October I'm safe... which is good, because I couldn't wait to hear this.  I downloaded it at midnight from i-tunes (a MUST because there are 2 exclusive tracks on i-tunes.)  I sat by the computer and listened all the way through.  This is rare for me.  Usually when I'm really excited about a new release I have to sample through the album first so I don't burst with anticipation (I have issues... I know!)  With this cd I was under Kristin's spell.

Her renditions are fresh (not overproduced) and yet feel classic at the same time.  She has moments where she does her cute Glinda/Sally Brown schtick that she is loved for, but most of the album is pure beautiful singing.

She does wonderful versions of classics.  I love her take on "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Do You Hear What I Hear."  She duets with contemporary jazz great John Pizzarelli on a cute medley of "Sleigh Ride"/"Marshmallow World."  She also includes "Sing" (originally made by famous by Big Bird and then the Carpenters.)  It fits wonderfully with the other songs.  Her rendition is very true to the Carpenters but has some special Christmas lyrics.

I was especially moved by the pairing of "Sleep Little Children" and "What A Wonderful World."

Get the i-tunes version which includes the title song (don't know why it didn't make on the official release!?!)  "A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas."  This is a  reworking of the standard "A Lovely Way To Spend an Evening."  The other track is a beautiful version of "The Lord's Prayer."

This is sure to be a season favorite.

IN OTHER KRISTIN NEWS....

-She is ADORABLE this season on PUSHING DAISIES... if you're missing the show... you are missing out.  Season 1 is out on dvd.  The show really is a perfect fit for all of her talents.  She is also in the upcoming movie "Four Christmases."

-The WICKED cast recording is being re-released as a Fifth Anniversary Edition on Oct 28th with songs cut from the original production and covers of some of the songs.

-Kristin has a memoir coming out next year!!!!  It's called "A Little Bit Wicked: Life Love and Faith In Stages."  Cannot wait!  It comes out Spring 2009!

-Also in the works is a Disney version of "Rapunzel" voiced by Kristin.

Here is a fun video I found of a staged reading of  "EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY - The Musical."  The musical never quite made it to Broadway.  It looked fun.  Here is Kristin singing Blondie's "Heart of Glass."  Super cute.

FINALLY....  (sorry long post again!)  Here is a public service announcement from Kristin.  (This ditty is NOT on the Christmas album! )

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die