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  THEATER
& MUSIC NEWS AND REVIEWS. FROM LONDON TO NEW YORK
(SYNDICATED COLUMN)
By Maximillien de Lafayette, Sarah Fergusson and Simon Farqharr
JUDI
DENCH:.A
BONAFIDE GRANDE DAME..
With nearly 50 years experience as
an actress, Dame Judi Dench has given an astonishing range of performances.
As well as her Oscars and knighthood, she was the first person to win two
Olivier awards and her marriage to Michael Williams was one of the most
successful in showbusiness. Moreover she has brought grace, warmth and
frequently a fascinating coldness to an extraordinary mixture of roles...Read
the full article
  The
Jewish Theater of New York Presents
Kabbalah.
Photo: (left): Tuvia Tenenbom, the
founder and genius of the JEWISH THEATER of NEW YORK.
The Jewish
Theater of New York
 announces the world premiere of Kabbalah,
a progressive and provocative comedy about mysticism, consumerism and
the nature of faith. Written by Tuvia Tenenbom, the show opens
November 15, 2005 at the Triad Theatre, 158 W. 72nd St., in New York
City. Equally inspired by both the history of Kabbalists and the red
string bracelet trend that has taken hold of everyone from Britney
Spears to Wal-Mart shoppers...Equally
inspired by both the history of Kabbalists and the red string bracelet
trend that has taken hold of everyone from Britney Spears to Wal-Mart
shoppers, Tenenbom's Kabbalah aims to explore the traditions of
this mystical Jewish faith, its applications and metamorphoses in the
modern world, as well as resulting implications for both the religion
and its devotees. As with every production offered by The Jewish
Theater of New York, the controversy factor runs high. Kabbalah
pokes fun at the cost of membership ($4 for Kabbalah water and $200
for the cleansing of sin), questions the zealous interpretations of
present day religious leaders and features an in-need-of-salvation
Madonna as one of its lead characters. Kabbalah is rooted in
truth, the kind of absurd truth that Tenenbom repeatedly relies on to
create meaningful, entertaining theater. Kabbalah opens
November 15, 2005 at the Triad Theater, 158 W. 72nd Street in the
Borough of Manhattan, with ticket prices ranging from $49 to $26
(students with valid ID). Show times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9
p.m. and Saturdays at 11 p.m. (including on the 24th of December). In
Kabbalistic fashion, the late shows are intended to inspire “Tikkun
Hatsot,” the midnight meditations that Jewish mystics delight in.
Contacts: Liz Lauren or Abe Cohen at 212.494.0050 or email
TheJTNY@aol.com.
The Jewish Theater of New York (JTNY) marks its twelfth year of
operation as the only English speaking Jewish theater in the tri-state
area. The JTNY develops and produces theater that explores
contemporary and supremely relevant social issues affecting Jewish
communities throughout the world and their non-Jewish neighbors.
Whether play or musical, comedy or drama, the JTNY’s productions
continually offer thought provoking perspectives on Jewish culture,
identity and history and inspire unique consideration and dialogue
among satisfied audience members. Outside the United States, The JTNY
presents its shows in the language of its host countries.
 GUEST
STAR:
ADI BLOTMAN:
Israeli-Born Actress Makes Transition from Army Troops
to Comedy Troupes.
Blotman:
“It’s very clear that, even as a child, I enjoyed the spotlight.”
During basic
training in the Israeli Army, actress Adi Blotman never dreamed she
would make it in the competitive world of New York City comedy. Now,
her time spent on stage with the National Comedy Theatre has taught
her to expect the unexpected, and she loves it. Born in Ra’anana,
Israel in 1981, Blotman now spends her weekends making audiences
double over with laughter as part of the National Comedy Theatre, the
critically-acclaimed improvisational comedy show that recently opened
a brand new theater in midtown Manhattan. While it took years of
training to sharpen her comedic skills, Blotman knew she was destined
for the stage at a very early age. “I was always cramming myself into
the shot of our family home videos,”...
 Desert
Sunrise
September 29 - October 23
Influenced and inspired by Taayush - Israeli-Palestinian Partnership
for Peace, Desert Sunrise portrays an encounter in the South Hebron
Hills between an Israeli soldier, a Palestinian shepherd and a young
tormented Palestinian woman. Over the course of one memorable night
the process of mutual understanding begins, halts, gets rejected, but
is ultimately embraced by the pained characters. Using humor, music,
poetry and dance the play unfolds toward its tragic yet hopeful
ending. Written and Directed by Misha Shulman; live music by Yoel Ben
Simhon.
Performs Thursdays - Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm, and
October 13th, after Yom Kippur, at 9:00 pm.
Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. at 10th St. For
information and tickets please call:
(212) 254-1109.
MURDER
Oct. 15-30
 Personal
Space Theatrics presents the New York Premiere of Murder, by Hanoch
Levin, Israel's most renowned playwright. Amidst the carnage of a
seemingly endless war, Levin presents an unflinching, provocative and
universal look at the cycle of violence and revenge. Murder transcends
politics, race, religion and sound bites to tell a haunting and deeply
moving story about the struggle between vengeance and forgiveness.
This celebrated and controversial play has been produced in over
twenty countries and a dozen languages.
Performs Wed.-Sat. at 8:30 pm, Sat. & Sun. at 4:30 pm, Sunday
Afternoon Discovery on Oct. 23, followed by an 8:30 pm performance.
Performance Space 122, 150 First
Avenue at East 9th Street. For information:
www.ps122.org,
212.477.5288. For tickets:
www.theatermania.com,
212-352-3101
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| LONDON'S MOST POPULAR SHOWS! |
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Billy Elliot
is the story of a boy from a humble Tyneside background, whose
mother is dead, and whose father and brother are caught up in the
bitterly fought community-splitting miner's strike of 1984. Billy's
father wants his son to learn to box, like him and his father before
him. But instead Billy becomes fascinated by the grace and magic of
ballet. BILLY ELLIOT is about Billy's gritty and determined
struggle, at first in secret, but then with the wholehearted backing
of his family, to dance his way to the brightest of futures by
winning a place at the Royal Ballet School.
Author:
Lee Hall. Designer: Ian MacNeil. Director:
Stephen Daldry. Music by: Sir Elton John. Producer:
Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions.Choreographer:
Peter Darling. Costume: Sue Blane. Cast Includes:
James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower
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Willy
Russell's award-winning musical features Liverpudlian twins who are
separated at birth and go on to lead very different lives. However,
their paths are destined to cross again... The show, now in its
fifteenth year, features Siobhan McCarthy as Mrs Johnstone in a role
which has been played by a host of famous faces including Barbara
Dickson, Petula Clarke, Linda Nolan and Denise Nolan.Author:
Willy Russell. Director: Bob Tomson. Producer: Bill
Kenwright Ltd.Designer: Marty Flood. Lighting: Jon
Swain. Cast includes:
Lyn Paul, Philip Stewart, Stephen Palfreman, Mark Hutchinson, Sarah
Hay, Louise Clayton, Stephen Pallister, Daniel Taylor, Grant Aylward,
Louis Tamone, Louise Russell, Alex Harland, Emily Buck, James
Templeton.
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 Chicago
is about two showgirls who kill their lovers and how their savvy
lawyer propels them to celebrity status. The musical exploration of
murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and
treachery. With great style and music, the show satirizes the
justice system, celebrity, and "all that jazz." Chicago won six 1997
Tony Awards, including Best Musical Reviva. lMusic
by: John Kander.Lyrics by: Fred
Ebb.Book by: Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, based on the play by
Maurine Dallas Watkins.Director: Walter Bobbie.Designer:
John Lee Beatty.Choreography: Ann Reinking.Lighting:
Ken Billington. Producer: Chicago Partnership.
Cast includes: Jennifer
Ellison (Roxie Hart until 4 Dec), Anna-Jane Casey (Velma Kelly),
John Barrowman (Billy Flynn, until 11 Dec), Paul Baker (Amos Hart)
and Sharon D Clarke (Mama Morton).
 Musical
adaptation of Victor Hugo's great humanitarian novel of one man's
determined survival in the face of another's vengeful persecution.
Set amid the social and political struggles of 19th century France.
The dramatic score includes numbers such as On My Own, One More Day,
and Do You Hear the People Sing?. Directed by Trevor Nunn and John
Caird. Jeff Leyton stars as Jean Valjean, while Michael McCarthy
plays his nemesis Javert. Joining them on stage are Lydia Griffiths
as Cosette, Sophia Ragavelas as Eponine, Joanna Ampil as Fantine,
Katy Secombe as Madame Thenardier, Oliver Thornton as Enjolras and
Jon Lee, formerly of S Club, appearing as Marius.
Music: Claude Michel Schönberg
(with Orchestrations by John Cameron).Lyrics: Original French
lyrics by Alain Boublil & English Lyrics By Herbert Kretzmer.Book:
Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg
Author: Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg & Herbert
Kretzmer after Victor Hugo . Director: John Caird, Trevor
Nunn. Producer: Cameron Mackintosh. Designer: Stephen
Brimson Lewis. Cast includes: Jon Lee, Jeff Leyton, Michael
McCarthy, Katy Secombe, Joanna Ampil, Lydia Griffiths, Oliver
Thornton, Sophia Ragavelas, Stephen Tate |
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A celebration of the
greatest Motown hits. Forty years after Diana Ross and the Supremes,
Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson & the
Miracles first arrived in the UK in the spring of 1965 with the
Tamla Motown Revue tour, DANCING IN THE STREETS recreates what it
was like to be there and to experience the energy, style and music
of the greatest stars of the Motown stable.Author:
William Shakespeare.Director: Keith Strachan. Producer:
Paul Walden & Derek Nicol for Flying Music. Designer: Sean
Cavanagh. Choreography: Carole Todd.
Based on the
film with story by Nik Cohn and screenplay by Norman Wexler. Stage
adaptation by Nan Knighton, Arlene Philips, Paul Nicholas and Robert
Stigwood. Music and lyrics by The Bee Gees.In Brooklyn, 'Tony Manero'
is a humble paint store clerk by day, but after dark he becomes the
polyester-clad stallion king of the local nightclub. Every Saturday
night Tony slips into his flares, pulls on his huge-collared shirt
and hits the streets to prove he can walk the walk, talk the talk
and most definitely dance the moves. Each week he parts the dance
floor like the red sea as the club falls under the spell of the
thumping disco beat and Tony's phenomenal routines. But as the club
lights snap on at the end of the night and the real world returns,
Tony and his disco obsessed friends must face the sometimes harsh
truth of growing up in the tough urban jungle of New York. The show
is packed with disco hits including Stayin Alive, Night Fever, Jive
Talking and How Deep Is Your Love.
Music: The Bee Gees. Adapted by:
Nan Knighton. Designer: The Bee Gees. Director: Arlene
Phillips, Orchestrations: Nigel Wright. Choreographer: Arlene
Philips. Lighting: Durham Marenghi. Sound by: Mick
Potter. Cat Includes: Kym Marsh.
Queen, the
legendary band fronted by the dynamic Freddie Mercury before his
death in 1991, have been making music together since the 70s and
have now joined forces with writer Ben Elton to bring their unique
sound to theatreland. Nigel Planer heads the cast in the Queen
song-fest with the action taking place in a futuristic world where
rock music is banned. Planer is joined by fellow cast members Tony
Vincent, Hannah Jane Fox and Sharon D Clarke. Christopher Renshaw,
who brings a worthy list of credentials including The King And I at
the Palladium and the more recent and hugely popular Taboo, directs.
Author:
Ben Elton and Queen. Director: Christopher Renshaw
Producer:Queen Productions Phil McIntyre Promotions/ Tribeca
production Designer: Mark Fisher & Willie Williams .
Choreography: Arlene Phillips.
Cast Includes: Mig Ayesa
(Galileo), Hannah Jane Fox (Scaramouche) , Mazz Murray (Killer
Queen), Jenna Lee-James (Meat), Mark Arden (Pop), Clive Carter (Khashoggi),
Nigel Clauzel (Britney)
GAIL
SWANSON'S AND WILLIE NELSON DUET "HALF A HEART": BEST SONG OF THE
YEAR.
Photo: Gail
Swanson
Gail Swanson
made it big this year with her double album LIVING IN A MOVIE, a
set of 2 CDs culminating an exquisite choice of tunes and ballads.
This woman can really sing. A great great singer by all means. Her
world of music is abundant with musical virtuosity echoed via
simple, yet deep and reflective compositional passages. It is
almost perfect in its evocative delivery and musical structure.
Swanson's voice is out of this world. She crosses the bridge of
Joan Baez and the young Peggy Lee. Hard to categorize her genre.
For Swanson could and would tease you, relax you, enchant you, or
just simply challenge you.
Her lyrics
are friendly welcoming, but under the dormant ashes of her
tranquility, this singer is an emotional volcano with threat and
challenge. Blending her voice with right on the edge words and
rich music, Gail Swanson becomes the Gail Swanson.
Meaning:
Swanson the unique, the perfect singer and the echo of moments
dear to your heart and perhaps, just perhaps, the remembrance of
times you wish to forget , but learn from. LIVING IN A MOVIE is a
musical treasure. The highlights of the album are "Pass It On",
"Even The Angels Cried". And the crown of her CD is "HALF A
HEART", which was selected by us as THE BEST SONG OF THE YEAR. It
is a Gail Swanson-Willie Nelson duet.
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Set in New York, a group
of gamblers gather for “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating
Crap Game in New York”, but Nathan Detroit (played by Douglas Hodge)
needs $1,000 to set the game up. As any right thinking gambler would
do in that situation, he bets Sky Masterson (Ewan McGregor) $1,000
that he can’t get Salvation Army prude Sarah Brown to accompany him
to Havana. On top of his gambling problems, Detroit also has to deal
with the affections of the amorous Miss Adelaide (Ally McBeal's Jane
Krakowski), who is trying to make him settle down. Guys And Dolls is
the first Donmar Warehouse production not to be staged at the Donmar
Warehouse and will be directed by Donmar Artistic Director Michael
Grandage. Music
by: Frank Loesser
Lyrics by: Frank Loesser
Book by: Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Director:
Michael Grandage. Producer: Howard Panter for The Ambassador
Theatre Group and David Lan for Clear Channel Entertainment, in
association with the Donmar Warehouse. Designer: Christopher
Oram
Choreographer: Rob Ashford Lighting Designer: Howard
Harrison. Cast includes:
Ewan McGregor, Douglas Hodge, Jane Krakowski.
Don't miss Ebenezer, Bob
Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future
and a whole host of Dickensian characters.
Author:
Leslie Bricusse
Director: Bob Tomson
Producer: Bill Kenwright
Designer: Paul Farnsworth
Lighting: Nick Richings
Sound By: Mick Potter. Cast
Includes: Tommy Steel.
A handsome
young man is stranded at a remote railway cutting. Out of the
darkness looms a woman, a mysterious figure dressed in white, who
burns to tell a chilling secret. Two sisters find themselves snared
in a web of betrayal and greed, the victims of a flawless crime.
Unprotected in a man's world, they will need all their
resourcefulness and courage to outwit a villain of overpowering
charisma and ingenuity. But they can also rely on the guiding hand
of love.Author:
Charlotte Jones
Director: Trevor Nunn
Sound by: Mick Potter
Lyrics by: David Zippel
Designer: William Dudley
Lighting: Paul Pyant
Choreography: Wayne McGregor
Cast includes: Michael Crawford (Count Fosco), Maria Friedman
(Marian Halcombe), Martin Crewes (Walter Hartwright), Angela
Christian (Anne Catherick - 'the Woman in White'), Oliver Darley
(Sir Percival Glyde), Jill Paice (Laura Fairlie), Edward
Petherbridge (Mr Fairlie), Vincent Pirillo (Signal Man), Nicky
Adams, Eion Cannon, Gregory Clarke, Elinor Collett, Christophe
Connah, Adrian Der Gregorian, Susie Fenwick, Helen George, Mark
Goldthorpe, John Griffiths, Andrew Keelan, Paul Kemble, Joanna
Kirkland, Jo Napthine, Yvette Robinson, James Spilling, Steve
Vernon, Sophie Catherside (Corn Dolly Girl), Leah-Verity White (Corn
Dolly Girl), Sydney White (Corn Dolly Girl). __________________
Gail Swanson
opened for Melissa Etheridge, Lisa Loeb, The Doobie Brothers,
David Crosby and CPR, The Radiators, Cecilio and Kapono and has
done numerous shows with Willie Nelson and Pat Simmons. Heavily
influenced by a wide range of singer/songwriters including Ani
Difranco, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Lisa Loeb, Bonnie Raitt
and more, Gail's style is acoustic pop/rock with some songs
crossing over into the country genre. Swanson independently
releases, promotes and distributes her own music, a catalogue of
four CD’s. Her recent CD “Living in a Movie” won a prestigious
Hawaiian music award, a “Na Hoku Hanohano” for BEST ROCK ALBUM OF
THE YEAR. (Hawaiian Academy of Recording Artists) “Living in a
Movie” features special guests, Willie Nelson and Patrick Simmons
from the Doobie Brothers. The double CD includes 8 rock songs
recorded in Nashville with a full band, and 8 acoustic songs
recorded on Maui. One song from that CD titled "Paper Doll" was
on MTV "Road Rules/Real World Challenge: The Gauntlet" episode
#4! The instrumental mix of this song was used as part of the
soundtrack of this show. Gail's 5th CD will be released in early
2006, and will include two songs co-written by Michael McDonald.
Gail maintains a large and loyal fan base in Hawaii and all over
the U.S. who support her “alternative folk/rock” acoustic show
when she comes to their town. She promotes her own career with
help from her regional fan clubs, street teams and on the
internet. As an artist, Gail loves to tour and perform, but her
career focus is diverse. Gail is the co-founder of “Dream To Make
a Difference” with Cindy Lester and Jeff Bass. They formed this
non-profit organization and raised over $17,000 for Hawaii AIDS
organizations at a concert in 2000. Gail has signed endorsement
contracts with RAINSONG GUITARS, YAMAHA FLUTES, and ELIXIR
STRINGS.
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 Lloyd
Webber's romantic musical is based on Gaston Leroux's gothic novel
of life beneath the stage of the Paris Opera House. A mysterious
masked man falls in love with Christine, a singer who inspires The
Music of the Night. Directed by Harold Prince. John Owen-Jones plays
the title role of the Phantom, with Katie Knight Adams as Christine
and Ramin Karimloo as Raoul.Music
by: Andrew Lloyd Webber. Author:
Andrew Lloyd Webber. Director: Harold Prince. Producer:
Cameron Mackintosh / Really Useful Company.
Cast Includes: John
Owen-Jones (The Phantom) , Richard Hazell (Monsier Firmin) , Sam
Hiller (Monsieur Andre), Heather Jackson (Madame Giry), Rohan
Tickell (Piangi), Rachel Barrell (Christine) Katie Knight-Adams will
play 'Christine at certain performances) , Oliver Thornton (Raoul),
Sally Harrison (Carlotta), Claire Tilling (Meg).
 The musical
stage adaptation of Mary Poppins, based on the stories by P.L.
Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, which will open at the Prince
Edward Theatre and booking to 24 Sep 2005 . This is forty years
after the premiere of the film. Mary Poppins include many of the
original songs from the film with music and lyrics by Richard M
Sherman and Robert B Sherman. Including "Chim Chim Cher-ee", A
Spoonful of Sugar", "Feed The Birds" and
"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".
Author: Julian Fellowes. Director:
Richard Eyre, co-direction by Matthew Bourne. Producer:
Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Productions, and Cameron
Mackintosh. Designer: Bob Crowley. Lighting: Howard
Harrison. Choreography: Matthew Bourne, with additional
choreography by Stephen Mear. Cast includes: Laura Michelle
Kelly (Mary Poppins); Gavin Lee (Bert); David Haig (George); Linzi
Hateley (Winifred Banks); Rosemary Ashe (Miss Andrew); Jenny
Galloway (Mrs Brill); Julia Sutton (Bird Woman); Kevin Williams
(Park Keeper); Gerard Carey (Robertson Ay). (There will be five sets
of children playing 'Michael' and Jane Banks'). Completing the cast
are Sarah Bayliss, Ian Burford, Ashley Day, Jye Frasca, Lewis
Greenslade, Howard Jones, Sarah Keeton, Melanie La Barrie, Claire
Machin, Matthew Malthouse, Stephen McGlynn, Tamara McKoy Patterson,
Tim Morgan, Stuart Neal, Zak Nermorin, Terl Nugent, Lisa O'Hare,
Pippa Raine, Louisa Shaw, Savannah Stevenson, Nathan Taylor, Philip
Michael Thomas, Poppy Tierney, Agnes Vandrepote, Alan Viccary, Emma
Woods, Andrew Wright.
 Mel Brooks'
Broadway hit musical The Producers, based on his 1968 film of the
same name, receives an eagerly awaited UK transfer to the Theatre
Royal, Drury Lane after taking Broadway by storm. Starring Nathan
Lane and renowned comedian Lee Evans. This musical comedy revolves
around washed-up theatre producer Max Bialystock who, along with his
timid accountant Leo Bloom, cooks up a scheme to make a fortune by
presenting a sure-fire flop called "Springtime for Hitler". Their
plan is to take off with all their investors' money- but when the
curtain goes up on their gigantic singing and dancing spectacular,
they realize their plan has not gone entirely to plan.
Author:
Mel Brooks. Director: Susan Stroman.
Designer: Robin Wagner. Lighting: Peter Kaczorowski.
Choreography: Susan Stroman. Producer: Clear Channel
Entertainment / Frankel Viertel Routh Group / Bob & Harvey Weinstein
/ Rick Steiner / Robert FX Sillerman / Mel Brooks / James D Stern &
Douglas Meyer. Cast includes: Nathan Lane (Max Bialystock
until 8 Jan 2005) (Richard Dreyfuss withdrawn through injury) , Lee
Evans (Leo Bloom), Nicolas Colicos (Franz Liebkind), James Dreyfus
(Carmen Ghia), Conleth Hill (Roger De Bris), and Leigh Zimmerman (Ulla).
The show will also feature: Kenneth Avery-Clark, Stephen Carlile,
Hadrian Delacey, Kate Graham, Amanda Minihan, Sherrie Pennington,
Simon Adkins, Caroline Barnes, Suzanne Bullock, Leigh Constantine,
Lisa Donmall, Christian Gibson, James Gray, Kelly Homewood, David
Hulston, James Lucas, Rachel McDowell, Gavin Staplehurst, Luzahn
Taylor, Emma Tunmore, Desi Valentine.
Julie Taymor
directs the stage adaptation of Disney's hugely successful animated
film. When the young lion prince Simba is born his evil uncle Scar
is pushed back to second in line to the throne. Scar plots to kill
both Simba and his father, King Mufasa, and proclaim himself king.
Simba survives but is led to believe that his father died because of
him and he decides to flee the kingdom. Tim Rice and Elton John's
musical won six Tony Awards on Broadway and has been nominated for
eight Olivier Awards.
Music: Elton John.
Additional songs by Lebo M, Julie Taymor, Mark Mancina and Hans
Zimmer . Lyrics: Elton John and Tim Rice . Book: Roger
Allers and Irene Mecchi . Director: Julie Taymor; .
Producer: Walt Disney Theatrical productions under the direction
of Peter Schneider and Thomas Schumacher. Lighting: Donald
Holder. Choreography: Garth Fagan.
Cast Includes: Rob Edwards, Nathaniel
Stampley, Gugwana Dlamini, Eric Mallett, Richard Gauntlett, Howard
Crossley, Brian Makiwane, Alexia Facey, Jacqui Dubois, Gary Forbes,
Kyl Messios, Jeana Cachero, Jordan Laviniere, Africa Nile, Michelle
Osuocha, Victoria Pasion, Stefan Ruiz.
________________________________
MUSIC...AND DIVAS
 RHE DE VILLE IS HOT
HOT!!
Photo: The
stunning Rhe De Ville.
In New York,
the stunning and ravishing Cabaret Jazz star Rhe De Ville is
taking the city by storm. The sinfully talented American chanteuse
has just released a video capturing the sultry moments of her Jazz
Cabaret shows with her newly formed band. De Ville glittered in
the video. She played the part. She looked great, a real teasing
diva at many levels. Her album ECHOES OF MY HEART cemented her
name as the leading chanteuse of a new wave of super elegant and
classy ladies of contempo Jazz Cabaret. Good for her! She is hot!
DONNA RAWLINS,
ROSEMONT CROSSING
In
California, Donna Rawlins, a.k.a Donatella made her mark this
month upon releasing her second album, the Rosemont's Crossing's
ALMOST LIVE with Neil Snider, Scott Siedow and Doug Wenger. A
superb CD that added musical wealth and vocal beauty to the
world of music. They can sing! Their songs, voices and music
will captivate you.
Photo: One of
a kind, THE ROSEMONT CROSSING with Donna Rawlins.
 Photo:
ALMOST LIVE by the Rosemont Crossing. A true musical treasure.
"When these
four musical entities came together, what they experienced and
heard convinced them that their combined talents were
energetically undeniable. All they needed was a name…since two
of them live outside of Lancaster, a name depicting their
'crossing paths' seemed appropriate. When they learned that
there is a city called 'Rosemont' in Ohio, Wisconsin AND
California, the name "Rosemont Crossing" easily adapted itself
to this musical configuration of seasoned three-part harmonies
and well executed guitars." The band’s acoustic guitars and
vocal styling are reminiscent of Crosby Stills Nash & Young and
The Eagles, but with the contemporary vibe of Nickel Creek. This
what it was said about the band. But upon listening to ALMOST
LIVE, your emotional mood would be totally transformed into a
refreshing, enchanting and transcendental state of mind. Their
melodies are pure musical beauty. And their voices blend
perfectly into an unparallel vocal virtuosity and human warmth.
ALMOST LIVE is one of the 10 best CDs of the year. Rating 5
stars out of five.
DOUG GOCHMAN'S RIGHT
ONTO THE TRACK: BEST WESTERN FOLK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Doug
Gochman's album RIGHT ONTO THE TRACK is probably one of the 10
best western folk country recordings of the decade. The CD is an
avalanche of stories about life, troubadours, adventures, women,
bars, ups and downs melted into a rainbow of mesmerizing tunes
which came to exist through the haunting and captivating voice
of Gochman. That's the kind of album you should add to your
music collection. The International Herald Daily News gave 4
stars to RIGHT ONTO THE TRACK. They were stingy. We give this
album 5 stars out of five. This is the best western folk album
of the year.
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THEATER: NEW YORK
 The
National Comedy Theatre Brings Competitive, Team Improv to NYC.
West Coast Comedy Show Opens in Brand New Midtown Theater
The National
Comedy Theatre, the nationally-acclaimed improvisational comedy show,
recently opened a brand new theatre in midtown Manhattan, after performing
nearly two decades on the west coast. The group now performs on both
coasts, as well as at affiliated locations around the country. Similar in
style to Drew Carey’s “Whose Line is it Anyway,” the National Comedy
Theatre (NCT) presents a 90-minute improvisational comedy show based
completely on audience suggestions. As a twist, NCT plays its
improvisational comedy played just like a competitive sport. Two uniformed
teams go head-to-head on stage in a battle for laughs.
 Photo:
Adi Blotman, Virginia Stringel, Jesse Easley, and Kevin Flinn of the
National Comedy Theatre perform every weekend at their new Manhattan
theatre.
A referee oversees
the action and calls “fouls” such as the “groaner” (if a person tells a pun
that makes the audience groan) and the dreaded “brown bag foul,” called if a
player says anything not suitable for a family audience, in which case a
brown paper bag is placed over the offenders’ head.
 NCT has
received unanimous acclaim in California. “Fast-paced, funny and family
friendly,” said the San Diego Reader; “Ingenious…funny…You have to
see it!” raved The San Jose Mercury News; and Where NY called it
“Hilarious!” In the long tradition of comedy troupes entertaining
military troops, the NCT was proud to be included in a recent Armed Forces
Entertainment Tour of the Middle East, where they played several dates for
the men and women of the military who are currently serving abroad.
Location: 347 West 36th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Performance
Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 & 10:00 p.m. Cost: Adults-$15;
Students/seniors/military-$12.
Additional information can be found at
http://www.manhattancomedy.com/ or by calling 619-295-4999.
 SEE
HOW WE CAN PUT YOU ON THE MAP! DE LAFAYETTE WORLDMEDIA
International
Consortium of Magazines, World News Wire, Editorials,
Media Consultants, Press Releases & Public Relations.
 http://www.delafayetteworldmedia.org
rosenstein@delafayetteworldmedia.org
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Mark
Schultz -Award winning New York Playwright
