Musical Theater Kids Blog

The Musical Theater Kids Blog is the place where I'll keep you up-to-date with all the exciting changes and additions to this site...It

• lets you know whenever any new Web pages appear on musical-theater-kids.com, telling you more about training and enjoying musical theater
• keeps you posted on news about Musical Theater including up coming Broadway openings and auditions
• points out some of our previous tips and hints on becoming a "triple threat" that you might have missed
• lets you know when a new issue of the Musical Theater Kids e-zine is available(in case you don't like to give out your e-mail address)

To subscribe to my Musical Theater Kids Blog (no e-mail necessary), just right-click on the Orange RSS button (see bottom buttons to the left) and then paste the URL into your RSS reader. You can also subscribe by clicking on the My Yahoo! button or My MSN or Add to Google button if you keep a personalized home page there.

If you're not sure what RSS and Blogging are all about, you can find out by clicking on the "What's an RSS Feed?" link (also bottom left margin). Once you start you will be amazed at what RSS can do...

See you on Broadway!

Looking For Broadway Sheet Music?
My son always needs music for various shows. We tried our local music shop but always had to wait for them to order stuff. Now we order the music ourselves, and it is easier and comes faster. If you are interested in ordering for yourself, too...check out this Broadway Sheet Music

Nov 17, 2008, Free Broadway Tickets - Kids Night On Broadway

Right 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 2008

College 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 6, 2008, Volunteers Needed - List Your Favorite Place To Volunteer

It's that time of year when we all get busy with school, theater and the holiday season...I know, but I need your help. In the spirit of giving, I ask you to send me a listing for a Volunteer Opportunity (related to the Performing Arts) in your part of the world. You'll get credit and others will be able to share in the joy of giving. Check out the link below and fill in the form at the bottom of that page link. Thanks!

Nov 2, 2008, A Theater Teen Newsletter For & By Teens

Check out the Theater Development Fund's Teen Newsletter For & By Teens.

Oct 31, 2008, Time To See The Nutcracker Ballet

My 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!

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 Broadway

The 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 MSG

I 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...

Sep 12, 2008, 13 The Musical

13 The Musical a high energy all teenage cast lights up Broadway with a new musical about growing up.

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!

Sep 9, 2008, - "Shrek The Musical" To Preview On Broadway November 9th

Hi, 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...

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.

Jul 3, 2008, "A Little Bit Wicked..." Title of Kristin Chenoweth's (Glinda) New Memoir

Great news for all of you "Wicked" fans. Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of "Glinda" in the musical "Wicked" on Broadway, has written a memoir of her life entitled, "A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love and Faith In Stages".

"The book will be a candid account of the Oklahoma-born actress's life, from her adoption shortly after birth to her Tony-nominated turn in Wicked to her work in Hollywood..."

You won't find the book in stores until April 14th, 2009. If you would like to pre-order this book you can do that here.

Jul 2, 2008, Update on Broadway Love Songs

If you are looking for some great romantic songs from Broadway shows, check out the recent update to my 101 Love Songs page. It's now 101+ some. You can even find a link to search for the sheet music for these songs. Why not learn one of these classics for fun and then add it to your repertoire.

Jul 1, 2008, Stage Fright Help For Teens & Kids

Learn useful techniques for overcoming stage fright and nervousness when auditioning and acting.

Jun 26, 2008, Cirque Dreams - A Jungle Fantasy ***Limited Engagement Family Show***

Cirque Dreams - A Jungle Fantasy - Opens on Broadway Today, June 26th. Take your favorite friends and relatives to enjoy this limited engagement show(10 weeks only!). Experience a visually beautiful exhibition of international performers including; contortionists, jugglers, aerialists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. An extravaganza for the entire family. Over 150 spectacular costumes and striking visual effects. Children 2 years old and over admitted. (Everyone must have a ticket.) At the Broadway Theatre...visit the Cirque Dreams Website
www.cirquedreamsbroadway.com

Jun 17, 2008, College Guidance 101 - for Parents & Counselors of Performing Arts Kids

College Guidance is more complicated when it comes to performing arts college admissions. Find out more about the process on this website.

Jun 16, 2008, Tony's Tonight

Watch CBS TV tonight at 8 pm Eastern and catch some great entertainment. Be inspired! and see if your favorite actors and shows win the Tony.

Jun 15, 2008, Win $1,000 in the Sweet Adelines International - A Cappella YouTube.com Contest

Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers. This group includes more than 1,200 quartets, 600 choruses and 25,000 members throughout the world singing a cappella, four-part harmony music, and barbershop style.

June 16 - July 18, 2008 Sweet Adelines International is sponsoring an a capella contest for female singers. "If you are a talented female singer or know someone who is, bring your sing! Let your voice be heard and sing it a cappella". Performer(s) in winning video will receive a $1,000 Visa Gift Card. The world will vote, by number of views, for the winning video. Go to the link provided for contest details, rules and how to enter. Break a Leg!

Jun 9, 2008, Sondheim's " A Little Night Music"

I had the pleasure this week of once again seeing "A Little Night Music" a romantic play which is, more or less, about wasting time. This is the second time this past year that the play has been performed locally and I enjoyed it both times. If you are interested in learning more about this show, you can find lots of references to it on the internet. There are three parts for young people in this musical - Anne Egerman (Age Range: 15 -19, Soprano), Henrik Egerman (Age Range: 16 - 20, Tenor) and Fredrika Armsfeldt (Age Range:11 - 15, Mezzo). The music is wonderful. It is not an easy show to perform but it is great when it is done correctly. The show has been done worldwide and is part of the repertoire of several opera companies. If you are a serious musical theater student, I recommend that you see it, should it come to your corner of the world.

Jun 3, 2008, MTV 's "Legally Blonde : Search for the New Elle Woods" Episode 1

MTV's New Show - Casting for the New Elle in "Legally Blonde" aired it's first episode tonight June 2nd. If you missed the premiere episode, entitled "You're Cut", you can still see it by going to the MTV Website - www.mtv.com. The first episode follows the initial 50 girls, which are brought down to a group of 15, and then finally a group of 10. I recommend taking a peak at the episode. It's a great illustration of why you need to train to be a "triple threat" (singer, dancer, actor) in order to work professionally in Musical Theater. Take a look and have fun watching but keep the process in mind. I believe you'll find it fascinating.

May 30, 2008, "Passing Strange" on Broadway

Yes, I was one of the almost 300,000 people who had the opportunity to see "Passing Strange" at the Belasco Theatre in NYC last week. It was a great show but it does not come without warnings. To begin with, this is not a show for young children and for older kids, a parent advisory is in effect. Of note is the language and suggestive behavior, as well as, the substance references. That being said, I personally found the show to be very entertaining. The cast was wonderful, the music/musicians were wonderful and the plot was interesting as it dealt with growing up middle class/black in America. This show has been nominated for 7 Tony Awards this season including "Best Musical". It has won the New York Critics Award for "Best Musical", The Drama Desk Award for "Best Musical" and The Obie Award for "Best Musical". For older teens and adults, this is a great show to attend, relax, have some laughs and listen to some excellent music.

May 24, 2008, Drama Desk Awards

The Drama Desk Awards have been announced, Check out who won.

May 15, 2008, Tony Award Nominations - See the Categories - See Who Was Nominated

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 was the day that The American Theatre Wing released the names of the nominees for the 2008 Tony Awards. Get a brief history of the awards and a listing of the award categories at the link below. See if your favorite Broadway Show made the cut.

May 13, 2008, A "Broadway Mother's Day" Experience

Mother's Day for me was extra special this year. I had the pleasure of attending the premier of a brand new CD at the "Metropolitan Room" in Manhattan. My family went to see one of our favorite Broadway performers and close friend sing the songs from his new CD. Our friend is, John Treacy Egan. John is currently appearing in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" as Chef Louis. He has also been in both "The Producers" and "Jekyll & Hyde" on Broadway. John has an unbelievable voice which is powerful yet angelic at the same time. I can listen to his voice everyday and not tire of it. Check out his inspiring and humorous song selections on "Count The Stars" at the link provided. If you're a Musical Theater Kid and you want to find an exquisite male voice to emulate, you'll find it in John Treacy Egan. He's the best, not only as a performer but also in the kind of person he is. I wish him nothing but success in his endeavors. He truly deserves it.

May 8, 2008, Romantic Musical Theater Scenes - Here's How To Handle Them

During any acting career there are times when you will be called upon to act romantically and kiss another actor. Depending on your age and acting experience you might be a bit apprehensive about doing this type of scene. This, of course, is normal. If you have questions about the best way to handle this, here is some advice for you.

May 6, 2008, All About the Audition Callback or Casting Callback

Audition callback mean you have a chance for a role. Do you know how to optimize that chance? Here are a few callback audition hints that may help....

May 2, 2008, Disney Audition for Camp Rock 2 featuring the Jonas Brothers

If you're a Musical Theater Kid who is also interested in film work, this ones for you. Disney will be releasing its new film ,Camp Rock, this coming June. Production for Camp Rock 2 will begin shortly after that. Anyone interested in auditioning for the sequel, who lives in the United States, may send a headshot, resume and demo reel to:

Natalie Hart

Camp Rock 2 Casting

La Padura/Hart Casting

100 Universal City Plaza

Trailer 6149

Universal City CA 91608

If you live in Canada, you may send the same information to Jason La Padura at the same address as above. Filming will take place in Toronto.

Apr 18, 2008, Tweens Love Theater and Broadway Is Courting Them

Tweens Love Broadway Theater and Broadway Producers Are Courting Them and Teens, Too. Discover What Shows Are The Most Popular With This Age Group.

Apr 10, 2008, Daniel Radcliffe of "Harry Potter" Fame to Perform On Broadway

WCBS News in New York reported yesterday that Daniel Radcliffe, who starred in the West End production of Equus in London along with Richard Griffiths, will be playing that same role in the Broadway revival which is to open this Fall 2008. The show has received much attention because Radcliffe actually disrobes on stage. Keep your ears tuned to the Broadway buzz for more information.

Apr 7, 2008, Stage Blocking - What Every Actor Needs To Know!

Learn Stage Blocking And The Role It Plays In The Rehearsal Process and Action Of A Play.

Apr 5, 2008, Start Your Performing Arts College Search - Be Something Extraordinary!

Learn how to begin your performing arts college search. There is a huge array of college theater programs available. Do you know how to determine which one is right for you?

Mar 25, 2008, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story at Westchester Broadway Theatre

I just had the chance to see Buddy this past weekend in Elmsford, NY at The Westchester Broadway Theatre. I was curious to know about "the day the music died." What a treat! If you love Roll & Roll Music, and live in the NY Metro Area, I highly suggest seeing this show. This musical follows the time-line of Buddy Holly's rise to fame from Texas to the Apollo Theatre in New York City and then to his untimely death at an early age. It is, however, more of a Musical Review of his awesome music. The superb multi-talented cast (these actors are quadruple threats) perform almost all of the musical numbers in the show. The second half of the show will have you dancing in the aisles. This show is at Westchester Broadway Theater only through April 19, 2008. For information and reservations (tickets include dinner and show) click on this link. Enjoy!

Mar 15, 2008, My Fair Lady - Direct from The National Theatre of Britain

The only metro New York - New Jersey showing of producer Carmeron MacIntosh's and The National Theatre of Britain's - My Fair Lady is coming to The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), One Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102. This dazzling production of Lerner & Loewe's musical masterpiece will open on March 18, 2008 and run through March 23rd. For tickets call: 1-888-GO-NJPAC. If you use the code: MFLBOX, you can receive a discount for $10.00 off each ticket on Tuesday through Friday Performances Only and in Section P,A,B & C, Only. Take the opportunity to see this classic musical if you live in the area. Enjoy!

Mar 14, 2008, An Irish Tale...Coming to North America

Some exciting news to brighten up Saint Patrick's Day for those of you who are Irish or love the Irish people as I do.

Ha'Penny Bridge' a new Irish musical written and composed by Alastair McGuckian will have its North American premiere in Toronto May 16, 2008 through June 29, 2008 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. This Broadway bound production will then head to San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre where is will open on July 6th and continue through August 10, 2008.

According to the press release for the show "Ha'Penny Bridge' is a story of a love torn apart by a country divided. Set in Dublin during the Irish Civil War in the early 1920's, a time of heightened nationalistic tension, greed and deceit, jealousy and love are mixed with dramatic consequences." Canadian director and choreographer Donna Feore will lead the creative team accompanied by a number of Broadway veterans. The cast has not yet been announced. I'll keep you updated as more information is available...Have a Happy!

Mar 10, 2008, Acting Books To Help With Your Training

If you've taken a look at the Acting Books page lately, you've probably noticed that it has been updated with some great new books. I always say that there is no substitute for practical experience but you can get some excellent guidance in some of these books. Take a look at what's available... and for some of my suggestions, check out the Acting Books Webpage(you can reach it through the Site Map link on the Home Page or through the link below) As always, I am glad to have suggestions from my readers. If you find a book that stirs your imagination & career please pay it forward by sending the title to me...thank you.

Mar 9, 2008, Bye Bye Birdie A Musical Comedy

Main Character List and Song List by Act for Bye Bye Birdie the Broadway musical.

Mar 9, 2008, March 9th Last Day for 20 at 20 Discount on Off-Broadway Shows

Just a reminder, tomorrow is the last day for the 20 at 20 discount for Off-Broadway Theater. Sunday, March 9, 2008 is the end date for this program. If you live in the NYC you still have time to take advantage of this promotion.

Mar 5, 2008, Fiddler On The Roof A Family Favorite

Brief overview of the Broadway production of Fiddler On The Roof with listing of Main Characters and Musical