Musical Theater Kids Blog
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See you on Broadway!
Oct 8, 2009, Broadway Across AmericaBroadway Across America brings professional theater to cities across the United States and Canada. Find out what's coming to a city near you. Permalink -- click for full blog post Jul 5, 2009, Broadway Love Songs - 101 Of The Best SelectionsDiscover 101 of the Best Broadway Love Songs available. Check them out and choose your favorite romantic song. Permalink -- click for full blog post May 19, 2009, Next To NormalJust back from an exciting week of NYC vacation. Mingled with many old theater friends and met a great group of new theater enthusiasts while relaxing and doing some research for new web pages for this site. I mentioned I would report back on my second viewing of "Next To Normal". This show is not your standard Broadway show but, in my opinion, one that sheds light on the future of Broadway. With a rock based score, and a lavish use of profanity, it is not for the very young or the faint of heart. It portrays the controversial and sometimes depressing subject of a disfuntional family's attempt to deal with a mother who has been diagnosed as bi-polar. The production is, however, wise, wonderful and extremely well done. Six outstanding actors and actresses take us on a riveting journey. The ending is unsuspected and makes the show that much better. "Next to Normal" has been nominated for 11 Tony Awards. My friend, the young and talented, Jennifer Damiano, at the young age of 17 was nominated for one of these. For her excellent work as "Natalie" the daughter of the family, she is up for a Tony in the "Best Featured Actress in a Musical" category. I am overjoyed for her, as I know the amount of hard work she has done to get to this point. I'll be watching anxiously for her the night of the Tony's. "Next to Normal" is recommended for those 13 and older with Parental Discretion, of course... Do check it out if you have the opportunity. May 9, 2009, Exciting Weekend ...in NYCIf getting to see some of your personal friends, and family perform is your idea of a great weekend...then read on. I just had the pleasure of attending a CD release party at Sullivan Hall in Greenwich Village, NYC for, Alex Yacovelli...an up and coming musical theater and rock performer...the guy is versatile. The music is all original...you can check out a few teasers at www.myspace.com/alexyacovelli. This is the same kid who performed at Madison Square Garden with Weaser last October. For more legit examples of his work go to www.alexyacovelli.com. Tomorrow I'll be attending the Broadway musical "Next To Normal", which I had the pleasure of seeing for the first time last year, when it played Off Broadway at 2nd Stage. Another one of my favorite performers, that I've known since she was about 10, Jennifer Damiano, is appearing as the daughter is this show. I'm excited to see the show again as I understand it has gone through several changes since my first viewing. It will be interesting to see how the show has developed. Following the 2nd Stage run, it went on to a run at Arena Stage in Washington DC and now has moved to the Booth Theatre. Michael Greif is Director. Greif also directed "Rent" and "Grey Gardens" among other musicals. What a great Mother's Day this will be for me! I'll report back... Apr 22, 2009, Childrens Theater New YorkChildrens Theater New York State Listing Permalink -- click for full blog post Mar 31, 2009, John Stamos To Star In Broadway's Upcoming Bye Bye Birdie Broadway RevivalAs a TV fan of ER, I'm not happy that this is their final season but as a Broadway fan, I'm happy to hear that John Stamos will be going on to perform in "Bye Bye Birdie". He mentioned this in a recent interview, so let's just say that his role has not been officially announced. It is rumored that he will take on the role, originated by Dick Van Dyke, of Albert Peterson. I think he will be just perfect. Being a Broadway veteran, Stamos should have no problem giving a great performance. Bye Bye Birdie will be revived by the Roundabout Theatre later this year. For Broadway goers, this is an exciting development. Watch this blog for information about the show and when the cast becomes official. Mar 24, 2009, Big Day For Shrek The Musical!
Today's the day that Shrek The Musical releases its' Original Broadway Cast Recording. Mar 19, 2009, Broadway Star & Film Actress Natasha Richardson Passes AwayA bright star of stage and screen British actress, Natasha Richardson, passed away on March 18, 2009. The victim of a freak skiing accident in Canada, she was 45 years old. Natasha Richardson won the Tony Award, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Awards in 1998 for her role of, Sally Bowles, in Cabaret on Broadway. Young people may remember her as the mother in the film, "The Parent Trap" with Dennis Quaid and Lindsay Lohan. Understandably, her husband Liam Neeson, mother Vanessa Regrave, and her two young sons are devastated by her loss. This is also an unbelievable loss to the acting community. A bright star that was dimmed too soon. To read more about this incredible actress, click below Mar 11, 2009, Watch New Teen MonologuesCheck out monologues done by teens...one comedic and one dramatic. You'll have fun and get some great ideas for your own performances. You'll also find thoughts about how to choose a monologue that's just right for you....which is the key for showing off your talent. Mar 10, 2009, Stage Directions for ActorsLearn basic Stage Directions with the Stage Diagram provided. Blocking made simple by knowledge of the Director's Stage Vocabulary. Permalink -- click for full blog post Mar 7, 2009, Laura Osnes To Join Cast Of "South Pacific:Laura Osnes, who came to fame in the NBC Talent Competition "You're The One That I Want" when she was chosen to play Sandy in the Broadway revival of "Grease", will be joining the cast of "South Pacific". She will replace Kelli O'Hara beginning March 10th. O'Hara is leaving the Vivien Beaumont Theater production at Lincoln Center, NYC for maternity leave. She will return to the show after her maternity leave on October 6th. Now is the time for all of you Laura Osnes fans to catch her in "South Pacific"! For more information and tickets, click below. Mar 4, 2009, Write A Short Play & Win $7,500 Plus A Trip To NYCI just found out about this great opportunity from the makers of Dentyne & The Manhattan Theatre Club to write a Short Play. The theme is "Maintaining Relationships In The Age of Technology". You get the money, your play produced and performed, and a trip to New York City. The only catch is that the Deadline Is March 9th...postmarked(see entry rules). For more details and how to enter just click on the link below...I wish I was a playwright! Mar 4, 2009, Makeup Technique For Dancers
Take a lesson on applying Makeup for Dancers. Whether you're the performer or are volunteering to work on the makeup crew, this quick video about "Makeup Technique for Nutcracker Dancers" will make your job easier. You'll learn techniques that can be applied to theatrical performance, as well. Give yourself or your favorite performers the pop they need to look great and be confident under those bright lights that can wash anyone out. You'll have fun, too. Mar 1, 2009, West Side Story Broadway Revival - Now In Previews
The Broadway revival of West Side Story opened for previews this past week at the Palace Theatre. The show will officially open on March 19, 2009. Here's a quick look at some of those who are involved. Feb 27, 2009, What's In A Musical Theater College Recommendation?If you happen to be applying to a Performing Arts College to Major in Musical Theater, you probably have questions about who to ask for a recommendation and what to should be included in the recommendation. I know my son had this question when he was applying and it took us both awhile to get the right answers. Just the other day, I received an email from someone in high school asking for help with this very thing. The question prompted me to write about the subject. You can check out what I wrote by clicking the link below. I hope this helps those in need of this info... Feb 26, 2009, The Wizard Of Oz - To Open In New York City
The Wizard of Oz the play, will open at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City on March 26, 2009 and play through April 5, 2009. Feb 22, 2009, "Boy From Oz" Star Hugh Jackman To Host Academy Award CeremoniesTony Award winner, Hugh Jackman, the multi-talented star of "The Boy from Oz" (which was the first Australian musical to reach Broadway), hosts the 81st Annual Academy Awards this evening. I personally am extremely happy that this star of stage and screen will be the host this year. Jackman is known as a "song and dance" man...a true "triple threat", so it is almost a sure bet that those of us who are musical theater lovers will get an opportunity to see him do his thing. Many of the Hollywood performers who will be honored this evening, have become crossovers to the stage. Be sure to tune in and see if your favorite star wins an Oscar. Feb 20, 2009, The Sound Of Music - A Great Family MusicalCharacter and song lisings for the family musical The Sound of Music Permalink -- click for full blog post Feb 13, 2009, The Rave Review - Latest Issue of Our Newsletter Now AvailableIf you haven't signed up for automatic delivery of our newsletter, The Rave Review, you can see the latest issue and other back issues by clicking on the link below. Each issue features listings of Discount Codes for Theater Tickets. Please help by sending in any and all theater offers that you know about. No matter where you live in the world, I would love to hear about discounts. Be cool and share them. Let's all keep the Arts Alive! Permalink -- click for full blog post Feb 8, 2009, Musical Theater Thrift Store Finds Offer Budget LessonsMy love for Musical Theater goes way back but I must admit, I have been a Thrift Store junkie for years. My mother owned a thrift store when I was 10 years old. She only had it for a couple of years but that was long enough to get me hooked. In these economic times, I have found that my thrift store hunting has provided me with a wealth of educational material to use and to spread among my friends who are involved in Musical Theater. I receive questions frequently about training in dance, voice, etc. Lately, I have been getting more and more people asking about how to go about the training and education while lacking the money to do it. Here lies one of my favorite suggestions...start shopping in thrift stores, thrift shops, charity shops, op shops, resale shops, consignment stores, and at flea markets, garage sales, tag sales, swap meets, jumble sales, car boot sales or whatever they call second-hand shops where you live. I have gotten some unbelievable bargains on items, which to a musical theater person are real finds. This past weekend, for example, I found a brand new, still wrapped video movie ofThe Sound of Music, a CD of the original Broadway cast of Gypsy, a book on ballet for guys, a video of tap dance technique, and a DVD copy of The Nutcracker" with Mikhail Baryshnikov. As for clothing, I found a pair of barely used tap shoes (for the child of a friend), a tutu, and several pairs of new tights. I also found some odds and ends to fill in for a show which I am helping to costume. All in all, it was a very rewarding weekend from a musical theater point of view. The hunting was fun and I only spent less than $25.00 US. My advice is to get out there and do some hunting of your own, save money and have fun doing it. Feb 5, 2009, Can You Feel The Love Tonight - A Great Valentine's Day GiftI want to do something special for a friend of mine, Susan, who has not been feeling well. Not having a lot of money to spend right now, I thought a nice way to cheer her up, as a Valentine's Day treat, would be to play her favorite love song(I dabble a bit on the piano). I checked out the Broadway Sheet Music on Sheet Music Plus and found the song...Can You Feel The Love Tonight, which she has always been nuts about. I purchased a book of Broadway Love Songs that also contains "Seasons of Love", which is one of my personal favorites. I feel great that I can give my friend an inexpensive yet meaningful gift. I can't wait to see the smile on her face when she hears her special song. Do you have a special partner or friend who has a favorite love song? Why not do the same thing for them? You may already even have the sheet music for that song in your possession. How awesome is that! For more Broadway love song ideas you can click on the link below... If this isn't your thing, then check out www.musical-theater-kids.com/theater-gifts.html for more theater gift ideas.Have a happy! Permalink -- click for full blog post Feb 5, 2009, Auditions For College AdmissionI was just surfing the internet as I do at least four nights a week, and came upon a YouTube submission that aroused my curiosity. It led me to google a college that has a theater department. I took a quick peak at the auditions page for the department, and it reminded me of something I want to write about... College Auditions. I decided that my Website needs to go into more depth about the challenges of auditioning for a theater school. I've always hesitated before, because there is a large amount of research that needs to go into this subject...many worthwhile schools to cover. Let me just start by telling you that most auditions occur at this time of year. It is a perfect time, for those of you who are still in high school or not, to go to the web page of a specific program, of interest to you and, get a grip on the audition requirements. I'll be compiling information on this, too, and plan to put it together as soon as I can but this is a HUGE subject so finding specifics will be left up to each person applying to a school. In the meantime, if you would like to get some information about college visits (which would be great to have, especially if you have to go the college of interest to audition) you can click on the link below. Be sure to check out the section on travel. You may find a good deal in the mix...ciao for now... Permalink -- click for full blog post Jan 29, 2009, "Thriller" To Come To Broadway When Legal Issues Are ResolvedIf the Nederlander Organization has their way, "Thriller" a new musical based on the Michael Jackson video of the 1980's will soon be coming to "The Great White Way." Jack Landis, an acclaimed Hollywood director, who had a 50 percent share of the well respected "Thriller" video is suing Michael Jackson for breach of contract. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for this all to be sorted out. In the meantime, "Thriller" fans like me will just have to wait patiently. Jan 27, 2009, 4@15 Presented by The York Theatre Company, NYCI had the pleasure of attending a wonderful presentation of four short musical pieces last evening. This is how the theatre described the project on their website; "The York Theatre Company has partnered with the Program in Vocal Performance/Musical Theatre at NYU’s Steinhardt School, inviting four professional writing teams to write four new 15-minute musicals with a cast of eight college students." What the Website doesn't tell you, which the audience learned at the theater, is that the pieces were all written to compliment the talent of each of the actors. With this in mine, it is not surprising that they all turned out so well. This was a great performance in a wonderful theater known for its constant support of new musicals. Each of the four shows was very different from the others. My personal favorite was "An Orchestra Imagined: In Four Invisible Movements", as it was extremely original in both concept and theme. The eight actors did a great job with this concept piece and I found myself very entertained. I would love to see this show expanded. The thirty-two NYU students, who participated in this project, all did an outstanding job and it is clear to see that many of them are bound for Broadway. For a description of all four shows, and a list of those who participated, you can go to the link below. Let's support this innovative theater company which was the recent recipient of a special Drama Desk Award for its support in "developing and producing New Musicals." Jan 19, 2009, Guys and Dolls Fans - Take Notice"Guys and Dolls" has been one of my favorite shows since I first saw a Community Theater production of it years ago. Needless to say, I was very excited to hear that it is going to be produced on Broadway for the sixth time. I guess I'm not the only huge fan. My tickets are already on their way to me, as the show goes into Previews beginning Feb. 4th and officially opens on March 1, 2009. This revival will be hosted by the Nederlander Theater, 208 W 41st Street, New York, NY 10036. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Box Office. Dec 12, 2008, Discounts On DisneyI want to share this great site that I just discovered. In these tough economic times, I was surfing for some theater discounts and much to my surprise I came upon this discount site for Disney. They are not affiliated with Disney but appear to offer some tremendous discounts on; Disney on Broadway, High School Musical Tour, The Lion King Tour, as well as suggesting ways to save on "All Things Disney". Check out the site when you have time...www.mousesavers.com Dec 5, 2008, Gotta Love That Kristin Chenoweth!I've loved Kristin Chenoweth from the first time I saw her in the original Broadway production of "Wicked". She was absolutely the perfect choice to play Glinda. A talented actress and recording artist, she recently released her very own Christmas album. I purchased a copy to check it out, and the music has really lifted my holiday spirit. If you want to hear some excerpts from the album...to decide for yourself, simply click on the link below. About half way down the page you'll find a link to the album. Be sure to click on the album title...this will bring you to a page where you can listen to a bit of the selections and there's even a great video of Kristin talking about A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas. Enjoy it! Permalink -- click for full blog post Nov 29, 2008, Tis' The Season - Give Theater Gifts They'll Love!I've been thinking about some of the gifts I've given theater lovers, mostly relatives but some friends, over the years and decided to share some of them with you. I've given everything from flowers(real and candy), to cd's, dvd's, theatre books, posters, theme jewelry, and I even bought a subject related artist signed watercolor. Of course, theater tickets have always been a exciting, albeit expensive gift, too. There is a special page on this website dedicated to theater gift giving. If you're in the market for a gift for a theater lover or performer, please check it out...As always thank you for your support... Happpy hunting! Permalink -- click for full blog post Nov 22, 2008, Broadway Across America - National Tours USA & Canada
Enjoy a Broadway show in a city near you! This is a great time of year to enjoy theater with family and friends...you can even treat. Why not invite your favorite theater lover to join you at a Musical Theater production for the holidays. This is a gift they will really appreciate. To find out more about what's currently touring and to purchase tickets through StubHub, click on the link below. Permalink -- click for full blog post Nov 17, 2008, Free Broadway Tickets - Kids Night On BroadwayRight now you can go online and with the purchase of a Broadway ticket, a large group of shows will allow you to buy a ticket for an adult, and receive a free ticket for a kid to come along. Find out more and take advantage of this great opportunity which goes monthly starting in March of 2009. Tickets are now on sale for the annual February event. Get more information by clicking on the link below. Nov 11, 2008, Free Virtual College Fair - College Week Live Online Nov. 12th & Nov. 13th 2008College Week Live (CWL) will be holding one of it's Free Virtual College Fairs on Weds. Nov. 12th & Thurs. Nov. 13th 2008.This interactive college fair features over 200 colleges and universities each with their own virtual booth. This is a great place for prospective students and parents to learn about many schools with performing arts majors. For more information and a link to College Week Live, click on the link below. I'm going to attend, I hope you will, too. Nov 2, 2008, A Theater Teen Newsletter For & By TeensCheck out the Theater Development Fund's Teen Newsletter For & By Teens. Permalink -- click for full blog post Oct 31, 2008, Time To See The Nutcracker BalletMy yearly visit to a performance of "The Nutcracker Ballet", always puts me in the holiday mood. I just ordered my tickets and I thought I might send out a reminder to all of you to do the same. There are local productions of this wonderful fantasy to be found all over the world. For a brief synopsis of "The Nutcracker Ballet" and information about "The Harlem Nutcracker", follow the link below. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Permalink -- click for full blog post Oct 15, 2008, "Something's Afoot"My theater experience this past weekend at New York University is something to talk about. I had the pleasure of attending the Steinhardt Music & Performing Arts Professions... A La Carte Series production of "Something's Afoot". This reading (but believe me it was more than that), was one of the funniest shows that I have seen in a long time. "Something's Afoot", had its' Broadway Musical debut in the 1970's but did not last for long. After seeing this production, I wonder why. Set in the 1930's the story takes one through a "whodunit?" succession of incidents that when done correctly brings the audience to raucous laughter, at most times by just the absurdity of how the events unfold. With great musical numbers performed by an extremely talented cast, this show was irresistible. Superbly directed by Karen Azenberg, my friends and I agreed it was the best theatre we have seen in a long time. Ms. Azenberg, did a great job casting this show and brought out the best in her young actors and actresses, many of whom are sure to be Broadway's future stars. At $5.00 a ticket this was the bargain of the season! To check out what is coming up on the NYU Steinhardt Music and Performing Arts Professions Calendar click on the link below. Oct 2, 2008, "Billy Elliot" Begins Previews On BroadwayThe much acclaimed musical "Billy Elliot" began previews this evening at the Imperial Theater on Broadway. It will open officially on November 13, 2008. This musical is based on the Oscar winning film by the same name. It's a tale about a boy's triumph over adversity, when he discovers dance, after stumbling into a ballet class one day. All of his friends are more interested in boxing, but he feels his call to be a dancer. With music by Elton John, this musical was a smash hit on London's West End. Venue:Imperial Theatre249 West 45th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)New York NY 10036 Running Time:Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission Audience:May be inappropriate for 8 and under. (It contains strong language and some scenes of confrontation between policemen and miners.)Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. To order tickets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please call * Inside the NY metro area (212) 239-6200 * Outside the NY metro area (800) 432-7250
Sep 24, 2008, Alex Yacovelli - Wins Weezer Contest - Will Play At MSGI received some great news this week. One of my favorite "Musical Theater Kids", Alex Yacovelli, will be playing with "Weezer" at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday evening, Sept. 24, 2008. Alex was the winner of a contest sponsored by radio station... 107.1 The Peak. He submitted a video of himself playing the Weezer song, "El Scorcho". Alex is not only an aspiring actor, but is a singer/songwriter as well. I've been saying for a long time that musical theater training helps kids become better all around performers. Take a look at the video that he sent to The Peak, by clicking the link below, and see if you agree. Congratulations to Alex!...job well done.
You can listen to Alex perform some of his original music by copying and pasting this url in your browser http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=216912315 or via the link on the video page Sep 14, 2008, Performing Arts College Fairs ...Oops!Sorry, I think there might be a glitch in the link to the page from my Performing Arts Fair Blog...below is the updated link to the page...if you are in high school and thinking about attending college with a major in Performing Arts, these fairs are really worth attending... Permalink -- click for full blog post Sep 11, 2008, "Fall Only" Performing Arts College Fairs Coming To A US City Near You!If you hail from the United States, during the Fall season, you can find a Performing Arts College Fair in a city near you. I'm going to attend the fair in New York City this October. It will be my third time attending this fair and I'm really looking forward to it. I learn something new about the process, and get some great information about the various college programs that are offered every time I go. In the past, I attended this fair with my son and I let him do all the talking. He asked some great questions that I hadn't even thought about. The college reps were very responsive and more than happy to answer his questions. To find out where and when these Performing Arts College Fairs are going to be held, click on the link below, read the page and scroll down to the link for the schedule. You may also want to check out the template for the notecard resume that you can put together to introduce yourself to the college reps. It really saves time when you don't have to fill out a contact information form and can give the reps your pre-printed information instead. See you at the fair! Permalink -- click for full blog post Sep 9, 2008, - "Shrek The Musical" To Preview On Broadway November 9thHi, Musical Theater Fans...I'm back from vacation and I'm sending out some great news! Kid's favorite swamp-dwelling ogre, Shrek, will make his Broadway Debut on November 9, 2008. when "Shrek The Musical" will go into previews at The Broadway Theatre in New York. Shrek will be joined on this adventure by his sidekick, Donkey, and the rest of the Shrek gang...here are the details Broadway Theatre 1681 Broadway New York, NY 10019 This show is appropriate for those 4 years old and above. For more information visit the show website at www.shrekthemusical.com Jul 23, 2008, "Broadway Rising Stars" An Exciting Show & Great Opportunity!I had the pleasure of attending this energetic show full of talented young people aspiring to become Broadway actors and actresses. Find out more about the show and opportunity by checking out the complete post... Permalink -- click for full blog post Jul 14, 2008, [title of show] to open on Broadway - Thursday July 17, 2008[title of show] a new musical takes a unique and comical look at the "pleasures and perils of the artistic process". It is a story about two struggling writers and two struggling actresses who take on the task of creating a new musical... about creating a new musical. This musical had its' debut at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2004. The Off-Broadway debut followed at The Vineyard Theatre in 2006 at which time the production was the recipient of three Obie Awards. The show is currently in Previews but will be officially opening on July 17th. Tickets available and information: Lyceum Theatre 145 West 45th St(between B'Way & 6th) New York, NY 10036 or through Telecharge May be inappropriate for children under 12 years of age (strong language) Children under 4 not permitted in theater Website: www.titleofshow.com Jul 9, 2008, Free Tickets to "Twelfth Night" at Harlem Summer Shakespeare
New York City's Riverbank State Park (145th Street and Riverside Drive) will be the site for the Pulse Ensemble Theatre's Free Production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night". The event will premiere on August 7, 2008 and continue through August 24, 2008. Tickets are available to the public on a first come, first serve basis. The performances will take place, Thursdays through Sundays at 8 P.M. in the newly renovated Amphitheatre which overlooks the majestic Hudson River. The audience for this 4th season of Free Shakespeare by Pulse and Harlem Summer Shakespeare, is invited to bring their own seat cushions.
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