5th Avenue Theatre Blog with David Armstrong

Seattle Celebrates Bernstein!

2009-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

An unprecedented consortium of the Puget Sound’s arts organizations announce the formation of Seattle Celebrates Bernstein, a regional Arts Festival to be held from April through June of 2010. During the three months, participating groups range in size from major to small, from established to fledgling, and include musical ensembles, dance companies, film presenters, theater companies and educational institutions. The Festival will focus on the multi-faceted genius of Leonard Bernstein – one of the few composers who has worked successfully and brilliantly in nearly all of the performing arts including theatre, opera, film and every manner of instrumental and vocal music.

Participating organizations will present a calendar full of events throughout the spring and early summer of 2010. At press time groups and events include:

• The 5th Avenue Theatre presenting fully staged productions of Bernstein’s Broadway musicals On the Town (in collaboration with Spectrum Dance Theater) and Candide.
• The Seattle Symphony presenting several events including their Season Finale: A Bernstein Celebration conducted by Gerard Schwarz and featuring pianist Misha Dichtor with the Seattle Symphony Chorale, and A Bernstein Young People’s Concert with the Cascade Youth Orchestra. Both events will take place at Benaroya Hall.
• The Seattle International Film Festival will screen a trilogy of Bernstein-scored movies: On the Waterfront, On the Town, and West Side Story.
• The Seattle Men’s Chorus and The Seattle Women’s Chorus will combine forces for Glitter and Be Gay -- a concert of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s collaborative and individual musical works at McCaw Hall.
• Seattle Opera will present a panel discussion entitled Collaborating with Bernstein featuring artists who worked directly with Leonard Bernstein.
• Seattle Jewish Chorale will perform selections of Bernstein's Jewish-themed at Town Hall.
• The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs will present two Bernstein events as part of Seattle Presents, the free lunchtime concert series at City Hall.
• The Lake Union Civic Orchestra will perform three dance episodes from On the Town as part of its spring concert at Town Hall.
• Showtunes! Theatre Company and Seattle Theatre Group and present West Side Story Stories: “Memories of Lenny” featuring music and remembrances by original West Side cast member Martin Charnin.
• Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers will perform music from Bernstein’s The Lark in concert at the First Free Methodist Church.

Although the Festival won’t officially begin until March the Pacific Northwest Ballet is excited to offer a special “pre-Festival event” -- Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite as part of it Director’s Choice program opening November 5.

Seattle Celebrates Bernstein will have its official kick-off on Monday, March 22nd at The 5th Avenue Theatre with an event in the theatre’s popular Spotlight Night series that will serve as both an introduction and preview of the upcoming Festival.

Join us over three months and across the region for a series of concerts, theatre, performances, lectures, film screenings and other events that celebrate Leonard Bernstein in grand style! To check for ongoing updates visit seattlecelebratesbernstein.org.

Check out these rave reviews for MEMPHIS on Broadway

2009-10-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Pictured: David Armstrong and Marilynn Sheldon in front of the Memphis Theatre in New York (above) with a close up of the 5th's producing credit on the marquee. (below)
AP

"THE EXHILARATING NEW MUSICAL SHAKING THE SHUBERT THEATRE IS THE VERY ESSENCE OF WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE. MEMPHIS is SENSUOUS, SOULFUL, TUNEFUL & THEATRICAL, EXPERTLY CAST & SUPERBLY SUNG," -Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press

The New York Post

"A really good, zippy, exuberant musical with steadfastly classic values: catchy songs, heaping spoonfuls of inspirational rnoments and gifted performers at the top of their game. Its embrace of old-fashioned pleasures is IMMENSELY GRATIFYING. OF SUCH THRILLS, BROADWAY IS MADE."
- Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Post

Rueters

"'MEMPHIS' is a top notch Broadway destination!"

NY Daily News

"NICE TO KNOW A NEW MUSICAL CAN ACTUALLY SURPRISE YOU I 'MEMPHIS' WINS YOU OVER with its sheer enthusiasm and exuberant performances. IT BLASTS YOU OUT THE DOOR HUMMING, BOPPING AND HAPPY AS ALL, WELL, HOCKADOO!" -Joe Dziemianowicz, Daily News

News Day

"EXTROARDINARY! This INVENTIVE production has NONSTOP TALENT, REMARKABLE SONGS & VOCAL PYROTECHNICS. It's ORIGINAL and AUTHENTIC. MONTEGO GLOVER isA REVALATION OF INTELLIGENT SENSUALITY." -Linda Winer, Newsday

Bloomberg

"'MEMPHIS' ARRIVES ON BROADWAY TRIUMPHANT! I GUARANTEE YOU A RAMBUNCTIOUS GOOD TIME HIGHLIGHTED BY ROUSING MUSIC-AND SINGING,SPECTACULAR DANCING, A WITTY, MOVING STORY and FIRST-RATE PERFORMANCES FROM A FLAWLESS CAST. CHAD KIMBALL is SO PERFECT that not for a moment do you believe that is only acting. This is a performance hewn out of flesh and blood. The ENCHANTINGL MONTEGO GLOVER is a thrilling singer and commanding actress. IT'S MAGIC!" -John Simon, Bloomberg

WOR Radio

"THE BIGGEST HIT ON BROADWAY THIS YEAR OR ANY OTHER YEAR! MEMPHIS IS TOTALLY OFF THE CHARTS! It is truly overwhelming. The entire audience, including me, shot to their feet. JUST SUPER! Memphis is a musical you have to see even if you have to bribe somebody to get tickets." -David Richardson, WOR Radio

amNY

"PURE FUN! 'Memphis' is IRRESISTIBLE and INVIGORATING, with A PULSATING NEW SCORE!"

-Matt Windman, amNY

Also be sure to check out The New Jersey Newsroom and the video at NY 1 reviews.

Jenifer Lewis in Benefit Concert!

2009-10-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Public Theater presented COURAGE IN CONCERT, a one-night-only benefit concert reuniting Jenifer Lewis (who delighted 5th audiences as the title role in last year's Hello, Dolly!), Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline for an evening of songs from the 2006 Shakespeare in the Park production of Brecht's masterpiece, Mother Courage and Her Children. For full coverage check out Broadwayworld.com.

MEMPHIS opens on Broadway!

2009-10-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

MEMPHIS opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on Monday night! The reviews are coming in and are extremely positive!

The New York Post claims "Memphis hits right notes!"

The New Jersey Newsroom writes, "Memphis delivers plenty of entertainment!"

The NY Daily News writes "It's entertaining and blasts you out of the door humming, bopping and happy as all, well, Hockadoo!"

Check out the full coverage of the opening night on BroadwayWorld and Playbill.com! Also on Playbill, check out recent photos of Joseph and the review in the Seattle Weekly.

Joseph and Memphis Opening Night

2009-10-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

This week two 5th Avenue Theatre shows opened on opposite sides of the country - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Seattle and Memphis on Broadway.

On Thursday October 15th, Joseph... starring Anthony Fedorov (pictured right with cast members Heather Apellanes and Ben Gonio) opened to a sold out crowd at our beautiful theatre in Seattle.

Broadway World wrote “…there are those that say this show is overdone and nothing really new or fresh can be done with it. I was one of those people. To them (and to myself) I say, "Then you haven't seen the production at the 5th Avenue yet!"

It was an extra special night for one season ticket holder who shares his The 5th theatrical experiences with a loved one. Following the Mega Mix, Anthony Fedorov invited Arthur Patterson (pictured left with his fiance) onto the stage where he asked his girlfriend to marry him. After an enthusiastic yes, the audience went wild and headed to Palominos to celebrate the opening night.

In New York, Memphis opened last night at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway! Reviews are just coming in and are very positive. Check back for more on Memphis later this week!

Sondheim Makes His First Seattle Visit

2009-10-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

On October 26, 2009 musical theater’s living legend, Stephen Sondheim, will make this first visit to the Emerald City in what promises to be an enormously entertaining and informative onstage conversation with his friend and highly respected New York Times columnist and theatre critic Frank Rich.

Rich asks questions and Sondheim answers them, offering up stories and anecdotes from his decades in musical theater. Having worked with everyone from actor Zero Mostel and choreographer Jerome Robbins to actress Ethel Merman and director Harold Prince, Sondheim’s stories are fascinating glimpses at the inner workings of Broadway.

This once-in-a-lifetime event is a must-see for anyone who has ever enjoyed live theater.

A Life in the Theater: An Onstage Conversation with Stephen Sondheim & Frank Rich
Benaroya Hall
October 26, 2009 at 8:00 pm.

Tickets are on sale now and are available through the Benaroya Hall Box Office, at 206.215.4747 or online at www.benaroyahall.org.

Checkout the new video excerpts from our popular Joseph & White Christmas Spotlight Night!

2009-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Our recent Spotlight Night event was one of the most acclaimed ever – I am still getting letters and emails from people telling me how much they enjoyed music, interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.

If you missed it you can see video excerpts of the event here. And if you were there I suspect you will want to relive your favorite moments. More excerpts will be posted over the next few weeks. Also, be sure to check out the exciting photo gallery.

And mark your calendars now for January 5 when our next Spotlight Night will focus on our upcoming productions of Legally Blonde and South Pacific.

5th Family in the News!

2009-10-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Two members of our 5th Avenue family were in the news this week. Last Friday the New York Times reported that Margo Lion (our producing partner on our World Premeire productions of Catch Me If You Can, The Wedding Singer, and Hairspray) has been appointed by President Obama as Co-Chair of the President’s Committee On The Arts And Humanities.

And on the same page they reported that on October 19th, Jenifer Lewis (who starred in our production of Hello, Dolly! last season) will join her co-stars Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline for a one night benefit concert reprise of the production of Bertolt Brecht’s classic play Mother Courage that they all performed in New York Central Park last season. The production features songs with lyrics translated by playwright Tony Kushner and music by SHREK composer Jeanine Tesori. Proceeds from this special performance will benefit the American Jewish World Service and Partners In Health.

MEMPHIS on Broadway!

2009-10-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the great pleasure of traveling to New York to attend the 3rd and 4th preview performances of the new Broadway musical MEMPHIS and to consult with the show’s creative team and producers regarding potential tweaks and changes.

I was thrilled to find the show in terrific shape. Everyone who saw MEMPHIS here at The 5th last winter experienced an amazing piece of musical theatre -- and now it is even better. New scenes and songs have added to the show’s power, and the performances of Chad Kimball, Montego Glover and the entire cast are even more sensational. The audience response at both Saturday performances was much like it was at every performance here in Seattle: they cheered and screamed after every song, laughed uproariously throughout, shed real tears during several key scenes (especially at the end of the first act), leapt to their feet at the start of the curtain call, and stayed in the theater clapping and dancing until the final exit music was played. And the word of mouth is already spreading on the show – the people who have seen it love it and they are telling everyone they know.

However, the creative team is still brimming with ideas about how to make the show even better and, just as they did during the run here in Seattle, they will continue to refine and improve the show throughout its 3-week preview period.

The New York producers are providing a special discount offer to all of our 5th Avenue audience members and supporters who might be traveling to New York to see the show, or who have friends and family on the East Coast that you want to encourage not to miss MEMPHIS. Go to this website and use the promotional code ME5TH0819.

And be sure to check out the show’s engaging website for all of the latest news, photos, behind the scenes interviews and video features.

But remember you saw it first at The 5th!

Don't Miss Cocktail Nuts!

2009-09-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Cocktail Nuts - where cabaret meets TV variety show! Hosted by long-time 5th Avenue Theatre favorite, composer and performer Rich Gray, and starring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat's Anthony Fedorov. See it in the Bullitt Cabaret at ACT Theatre this Monday September 28th.

Anthony Fedorov to sing National Anthem

2009-09-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Anthony Fedorov, star of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will sing the National Anthem for the Seattle Mariner's on September 30th. Check out this link for a special rate to this game!

The First Ever Back 2 Broadway YouTube Video!

2009-09-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Check out this new video from the Broadway League featuring a bevy of 5th Avenue Theatre stars including Cheyenne Jackson (Most Happy Fella), Brian d'Arcy James (Shrek) and Louis Hobson (West Side Story) and Chad Kimball and Montego Glover of Memphis!

American Idol finalist Anthony Fedorov to play “Joseph”

2009-09-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today we announced Anthony Fedorov, who was a finalist in the 2005 season of television’s most watched program American Idol, will star in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s new production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
With his soulful singing and sexy/nerdy good looks, Fedorov quickly established himself as a fan favorite on the 4th season of the hit Fox Television talent contest that was ultimately won by Carrie Underwood.

Throughout its 40 year history this musical has enjoyed a long tradition of casting pop idols to play its titular hero including Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Sean Cassidy, Michael Damian, Jon Secada and Andy Gibb to name only a few. The character of Joseph is something of a pop star himself so it is only natural that pop idols have often been recruited to play him. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice first created this musical back in 1968 when they were both in their 20’s, and they drew heavily on the popular music styles of the day. This inspired collaboration resulted in a remarkably infectious musical score that cries out for a leading performer who possess authentic pop/rock chops.

Every young man who plays Joseph must also be incredibly charming, exude star quality, believably go from “innocent boy” to “ruler of Egypt”,and look great when dressed in only a loincloth. I know that Anthony will fulfill all of those requirements beautifully. And if every performance is filled with crowds of screaming fans it will only add to the show’s delightful pop concert vibe.

Born in Yalta, Ukraine, Fedorov came to America at the age of 9 and eventually settled with his family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. While still a toddler Fedorov had to undergo an emergency tracheotomy because of complications from a birth defect and doctors predicted he would lose all ability to speak. But after a miraculous recovery, Fedorov regained the use of his voice and soon developed a passion for singing. Throughout his teens he could be found shuttling between Pennsylvania and New York City, singing whenever and wherever he had the opportunity.

Following his success on American Idol the 24 year old singer has gone on to a variety of music, television, and theatre projects including being a contestant on Celebrity Fear Factor, serving as a guest judge on MTV’s Little Talent Show as well as appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Tony Danza Show. He recently made his New York stage debut as “The Boy” in the current Off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks and earlier this summer he starred in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

His dynamic rendition of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” on American Idol garnered acclaim from the show’s judges who compared him favorably to Clay Aiken.

More on MEMPHIS!

2009-08-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

You can go behind the scenes of MEMPHIS on Broadway at the show's new blog including backstage gossip and candid photos direct from the rehearsals in New York. Check it out!
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First Rehearsal For MEMPHIS on Broadway!

2009-08-18T11:29:00.001-07:00

As one new musical ends its run in Seattle, another begins rehearsals in New York.

MEMPHIS the dynamic new musical that premiered here at The 5th Avenue Theatre last winter is now headed to Broadway and the first rehearsal was Monday! The show will give its first performance on September 23 and have its official Opening Night on October 19.

Check out the publicity photo shoot (below) featuring stunning new images of Chad Kimball and Montego Glover that are now plastered all over the front of New York’s Shubert Theatre and the show's nifty new website.

FINAL WEEKEND OF CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

2009-08-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

There are only 5 more chances for you to catch our new hit world premiere musical.

The show had it’s official opening last Thursday followed by a fabulous Opening Night party hosted by our wonderful restaurant partner Palomino. The place was packed and the excitement about the show was palpable.

You can check our the Opening Night buzz at SEEN by Team Photogenic who webcast the festivities live including interviews with all of our stars, creative team members, and celebrity guests.

The reviews have been fantastic matched only by the incredible enthusiasm of our audience.

If you haven’t seen the show DO NOT WAIT! You do not want to be like the people who are still kicking themselves for not seeing the world premiere of HAIRSPRAY here when they had the chance.

Catch Me Benefit Performance Announced

2009-07-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

The 5th Avenue Theatre announced today that it will be holding a special benefit performance of their World Premiere musical Catch Me If You Can on Wednesday August 5 to benefit the Compass Center, a non-profit agency serving homeless and low income individuals and families in the greater Seattle area.

The benefit is to honor of the memory of Teresa Butz, who was a board member of the Compass Center.

Five dollars of every ticket sold for this performance will be donated to the Center, with half of the donation coming from the theatre and half from the show’s New York producing partners.

The Compass Center serves homeless and low-income men and women over 18 years of age, a vulnerable and underserved population in Seattle and King County. It is a culturally and ethnically diverse population, consisting of individuals with varying strengths and needs.

Tickets for this special performance and all other performances are available over the phone by calling 206-625-1900 / toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, or online at 5thavenue.org

Meet TONY Nominated Orchestrator Larry Blank

2009-07-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a very special event prior to upcoming performances of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.

This Sunday our resident Musical Director Ian Eisendrath will interview Catch Me’s co-orchestrator Larry Blank.

Larry’s extensive theatrical credits include orchestrations for The Drowsy Chaperone, Fame Becomes Me and the revival of La Cage Aux Folles. He assisted on the stage and film productions of The Producers, the film version of Chicago and Barbabra Streisand's farewell tour. Larry also created the sensational orchestrations for White Christmas that will return to our stage this coming holiday season.

You have two chances to meet Larry Blank!
Sunday - August 2nd 6-7pm in DAT5 Room C
Wednesday - August 5th 6:30-7:30pm in DAT5 Room C

Don’t miss this rare chance to get inside the creation of a new Broadway musical.

5th Avenue Alumni in South Pacific

2009-07-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

Rod Gilfry and Carmen Cusack will meet across a crowded room in the national tour of the Lincoln Center Theater revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific.

Casting for the Tony-winning South Pacific has just been announced. The production, directed by the Intiman’s Bartlett Sher, will be here at the 5th Avenue Theatre next January and February and will feature Grammy-nominated opera singer Rod Gilfry as Emile de Becque and Carmen Cusack as Nellie Forbush.

Several 5th Avenue alumni will also be present in the cast. Keala Settle, who will be playing the role of Bloody Mary, was previously seen Tracy Turnblad in the tour of Hairspray when it returned here in 2004. She is from Hawaii and is of Pacific Islander descent.

Mathew Salvidar who was Sammy in The Wedding Singer here and on Broadway will take up the role of funny man Luther Billis.

Christopher Carl who was seen in The Secret Garden and Chad Jennings who was seen in Sunday In The Park With George, will be sailors in the Ensemble.

Congratulations to all! You can read about the entire cast and touring dates by visiting Playbill.com.

The World Premiere production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is now only one week away!

2009-07-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today I profile the acclaimed artist who is creating this new musical's Book - one of the American Theatre's greatest and most prolific playwrights - Terrence McNally.

Terrence is the recipient of 4 Tony Awards and his many acclaimed plays and musicals include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, The Ritz, Lips Together Teeth Apart, Frankie And Johnny In The Clair de Lune, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Full Monty and Ragtime which will be revived on Broadway this fall.

Terrence was born in 1939 in St Petersburg, Florida, and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas where from an early age he became interested in musical theatre.

“The biggest influences on me as a child were opera and musical comedy. I fell in love with opera in the sixth grade. I was at Catholic school and a nun played Puccini love duets for us, and I liked it right away. The way most people like strawberry ice cream cones – that’s how is was for me with Italian Opera. When I was much younger, about five or six, my parents took me to see Annie Get Your Gun with Ethel Merman and when I was twelve they took me to see the King And I with Gertrude Lawrence, and those were the only two theatre experiences I had as a child – both on trips to New York. But the opera was something I was able to fantasize and dream about because of the Texaco Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, and I use to build little sets in the little theatre I made.”

He attended Columbia University where he majored in Journalism returning to Texas during the summers to work on the Corpus Christi Caller –Times.

After graduation, Terrence moved to Mexico to focus on his writing, completing a one-act play which he submitted to the Actor's Studio in New York for production. While the acting school turned down the play, the Studio was impressed with the script, and he was invited to serve as the Studio's stage manager so that he could gain practical knowledge of theater. During these early years in New York, Terrence was a protégé of the noted playwright Edward Albee .

In 1964, at the age of 23 Terence made his Broadway debut with his play Things That Go Bump In The Night. Over the next 40 years he would go on to create nearly 40 plays and musicals produced On and Off-Broadway and at theatres around the world, as well as numerous film and television projects.

In addition to his four Tony Awards and one Emmy Award, he has earned two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Rockefeller Grant, a Joseph Jefferson Award, the Lucille Lortel Award and the Hull-Warriner Award. In 1994 he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his play A Perfect Ganesh.

Terrence is a consummate man of the theatre and it has been a thrill to watch him work on this show -- especially his collaboration with our incredible quartet of stars -- Norbert Leo Butz, Aaron Tveit, Tom Wopat and Kerry Butler.

It is clear to me that they are the prefect actors to bring Terrence’s work to the stage.

“The two musical comedies I saw as a child had extraordinary star performers, Ethel Merman and Gertrude Lawrence and my work is best served by actors who are (and this is not a pejorative word) performers and less well served by “Method” actors. My ideal artistic collaborators are actors who find the feeling in lines without having to add “uhs”, “you knows”, ‘I means” – and just go with the language. They say the words and the feeling follows. So many actors have to have the feeling before they can say the line – it’s not my music.”

You will certainly hear Terrence McNally’s music, as well as that of all of his collaborators, in our World Premiere of Catch Me If You Can.

In the meantime, click here to view one of Terrence’s several fascinating interviews with PBS’s Charlie Rose in which he discusses the writing of his acclaimed plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class.

Countdown To Catch Me If You Can – 3 Weeks To First Preview!

2009-07-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

The World Premiere production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is now only 3 weeks away!

Today I profile the third of our trio of amazing leading men – Broadway and Television star Tom Wopat.

Born in Lodi, Wisconson, Tom Wopat started singing and dancing in high school musicals and later studied music at the University of Wisconsin. Several years after college he landed one of the two male leads on The Dukes of Hazzard - the hit CBS television show that aired seven seasons and became one of that eras highest rated shows ranking second only to Dallas.

Most people assume that Tom got his start from The Dukes of Hazzard. In fact, before he became good ol’boy Luke Duke, Tom had already made his Broadway debut in the long running Cy Coleman musical I Love My Wife. I had the pleasure of seeing Tom in that show and remember thinking “this guy is going to go places” – the next thing I knew he was a big TV star.

Soon after The Dukes drove into the sunset of their final season Tom went back to his roots and returned to the theatre. On Broadway he has appeared in both plays and musicals including City of Angels, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Glengarry Glen Ross and 42^nd Street. He earned a TONY Award nomination for his performance as Frank Butler in the revival of Annie Get Your Gun starring Bernadette Peters and another for last season’s exquisite musical A Catered Affair in which he starred with 5th Avenue favorites Faith Prince and Harvey Fierstein. (I loved that show and Tom’s performance in it was wonderfully moving.)

During all of this Tom has maintained an active career in television starring in such shows as Cybil, Smallville, One Life To Live, All My Children and most recently Taking Chance with Kevin Bacon on HBO.

Tom has also recorded eight albums ranging from rock to country to jazz standards. His latest album Consider It Swung, includes one of his terrific numbers from Catch Me If You Can – the swingin’ tune “50 Checks”.

Here is a video of Tom performing that song at our recent Catch Me If You Can Spotlight Night. For more videos and information on Catch Me If You Can please visit our website.

Countdown To Catch Me If You Can – 4 Weeks To First Preview!

2009-06-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

The World Premiere production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is now only 4 weeks away. Today we feature choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

Full of talent and energy, this small town Michiganite worked his way up from Broadway hoofer to Broadway and Hollywood choreographer and occasional television host.

Mitchell made his Broadway debut in 1980 as a dancer in a revival of Brigadoon. From there he danced in Will Roger’s Follies and On Your Toes before making his Broadway debut as choreographer for the 1999 revival of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

He went on to choreograph the Broadway productions of The Rocky Horror Show, The Full Monty, Hairspray, Gypsy (with Bernadette Peters), La Cage Aux Folles, Never Gonna Dance and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

He received TONY Award nominations for The Full Monty, Hairspray, Never Gonna Dance, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and won in 2005 for his choreography of La Cage Aux Folles.

In 2007 Mitchell added director to his list of credits when he directed and choreographed the Broadway production of Legally Blonde (which will take our stage by storm later this season). Mitchell received his sixth TONY Award nomination for his Blonde choreography.

In a unique move Legally Blonde was televised in its entirety on MTV and then the search for a young actress to play the leading role of Elle Woods also became a hit series with Jerry as one of its stars. Mitchell also was the host of Bravo Television’s Step It Up and Dance dance contest reality series.

In addition to his work on Broadway you will also likely have seen his work in film and on television. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work on The Drew Carey Show and his choreography was a significant element in the success of the film Scent of A Woman.

“I had no idea that a dance in a film could resonate with so many people. And in such an amazing way,“ Mitchell said regarding the tango scene he choreographed for Al Pacino. “It really opened up my whole vision to what dance is capable of and how it’s capable of communicating.”

After Scent of A Woman, Mitchell went on to provide choreography for the films Drop Dead Gorgeous, Meet Joe Black, Jeffrey, Camp and In and Out.

And on top of his Broadway and film credits, Jerry finds time to help others. When asked about his most fulfilling project to date he always replies, “Broadway Bares.”

Started by Mitchell in 1992, Broadway Bares is an annual fundraising event that has raised millions for the organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This burlesque style one-night-only revue features hundreds of Broadway’s top dancers and stars.

“I did it from my heart, and with no expectations. That was a charity that I created out of scratch and it’s grown into this monster — a glorious, wonderful, spectacular monster.” The 19th annual Broadway Bares held just last week raised $808,819.

I had the pleasure of serving with Jerry on the Board of Trustees of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, the national labor union for professional directors and choreographers and I can attest that he is one smart cookie.

I am thrilled to have Jerry back at The 5th and reunited with so many of his Hairspray colleagues. Don’t miss this show!!!

Memphis is heading to Broadway!

2009-06-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy here that until today I have not had time to blog about some very exciting 5th Avenue news.

Last week marked the official announcement that last season’s hit new musical MEMPHIS will open on Broadway in the fall!

One of the most challenging aspects of bringing a show to Broadway is acquiring the right theatre -- or indeed any theatre. I am very happy to report that MEMPHIS will open at what is perhaps the most sought after New York theatre of them all – the Shubert Theatre right in the heart of the theatre district.

A long list of legendary shows have played the Shubert and I have no doubt that MEMPHIS will join the ranks of that venue’s illustrious alumni.

MEMPHIS will be the fourth new musical to make the jump from our stage to Broadway following Hairspray, The Wedding Singer and Shrek.

Special congratulations must go to The 5th Avenue’s great friends and supporters, Ken and Marleen Alhadeff, who fell in love with this dynamic musical and have become lead producers of the Broadway production.

Below you will find a sample of the national buzz and press that has been generated by this exciting announcement as well as footage from last winter’s acclaimed production.

Links to articles:
New York Times
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
My original Memphis blog featuring rave reviews from Seattle

Cabaret A Hit In Houston!

2009-06-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Theater Under The Stars in Houston was so taken with our production of Cabaret last season that they decided to largely recreate it. So they hired our Associate Producing Artistic Director, Bill Berry and our Resident Musical Director, Ian Eisendrath to restage the production.

The show, which runs through Sunday at the Hobby Center, has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Here are some excerpts from the Houston Chronicle’s rave review including praise for all of the 5th Avenue artists involved in the production.

"Cabaret revival goes glam
By EVERETT EVANS
Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

What good is sitting alone in your room (or even with company) when Cabaret is back, better than ever? Theatre Under The Stars’ “new look” revival of this landmark show, in fact, is so good it’s scary. That’s ideal for a musical whose genius always has been to couch a disturbing theme within a giddy, naughty, exhilaratingly entertaining framework.

…director Bill Berry’s new production, created last year for Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre, gives Cabaret a fresh look and spirit. The key is making the Kit Kat Klub not the usual seedy den peopled by transparently desperate souls, but instead a festive nightspot boasting opulent (albeit quite risqué) entertainment, as were many actual clubs in Berlin on the eve of the Third Reich. In this view, the Kit Kat is a place where customers and personnel really can escape the troubles of the outside world — at least, until the gathering storm of impending Nazi takeover makes itself indisputably clear at the close of Act 1. From that point, appropriately, things get progressively more somber, the revelry more desperate.

The entire musical benefits from Berry’s exciting new staging, as epitomized at the top of the show, when the Emcee rides down from the flies nestled in the ‘C’ of a huge, dazzlingly illuminated CABARET sign. Glittering lights spark on and off all over Tom Sturge’s spectacular setting — yet it’s the electrifying theatricality of this rendition that makes Cabaret play like a newborn masterpiece rather than a 43-year-old one. It infuses every aspect of the show, from Bob Richard’s vivid choreography, danced with demonic dynamism, to Thomas Marquez’s extravagant (and often extravagantly body-baring) costumes, to the splendid performances of one of the best casts ever assembled for this show.

The revelations are Suzy Hunt’s wise, rueful Fraulein Schneider and Allen Fitzpatrick’s gentle, wary Herr Schultz. I don’t think I have ever seen these roles more poignantly acted or heard them more beautifully sung. All of their scenes and numbers are ideally realized, making their autumnal romance especially moving. Mike McGowan, as an ingratiating smuggler with Nazi sympathies, and Angie Louise, as the brazen prostitute whose doings exasperate landlady Schneider, are strong in their supporting roles.

R.J. Tancioco leads the expert, rambunctious onstage band, who provide their own surprise that you’ll likely have more fun discovering for yourself. Summer is unlikely to offer any hotter ticket than this divine, arguably definitive Cabaret."

Click here to read the full review or visit the TUTS website. Playbill.com posted photos from the Houston production or if you want to experience the 5th Avenue's production again watch the clip below and read my original blog about our production from last year.

Congratulations to Bill, Ian and all!!

Countdown To Catch Me If You Can – 5 Weeks To First Preview!

2009-06-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

The World Premiere of the Theatrical Event of the Season is now only 5 weeks away!

Each week I am profiling a member of our remarkable cast and creative team.

Today I focus on another of our amazing trio of leading men. Playing the leading role of the brilliant and charismatic teenage conman Frank Abagnale, Jr. is rising Broadway star Aaron Tveit.

Aaron Tveit was born in Middleton, NY. When asked how to pronounce his name Aaron suggests that people “think of the number eight. Te-Vate!”

Prior to joining Actor’s Equity Association -- the professional stage actors union -- Tveit considered changing his name. However, he soon abandoned that idea stating: “I like my name! It’s different than everybody else’s and keeping it is another way that I can stand out.”

Growing up, Tveit was gifted in both music and athletics and he lettered in three sports in high school. However, his passion for music took over when it came time to go to college. He attended Ithaca College (also the alma mater of his Catch Me If You Can costar Kerry Butler) where he studied vocal performance and theatre.

At Ithaca he participated in a master class with the musical director of the Broadway show RENT. Three months later Aaron was whisked off to New York City to meet that show’s director Michael Grief and he soon found himself playing the role of Mark in the National Tour.

From RENT, Aaron moved on to the national tour of Hairspray as teen heartthrob Link Larkin. “With these two different shows, I went to 45 out of 50 states,” Tveit said. “When you're young and can just pick up and go, it's a great way to see the country.”

Tveit made his Broadway debut in 2006 reprising his role as Link Larkin in Hairspray. Not long after he was cast as Fiyero in the Broadway production of Wicked, a role that had been originally created by his Catch Me If You Can costar Norbert Leo Butz.

Fans of the television show Gossip Girl will recognize Aaron from his appearances as Trip Vanderbilt in several episodes of the hit series.

In 2008, Tveit teamed up again with RENT director Michael Grief for the Second Stage, Arena Stage, and finally Broadway production of Next To Normal and his performance as Gabe, the son of an emotionally disturbed woman, received great acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

If you watched the recent TONY Awards telecast you saw Aaron performing in two separate scenes from the Next To Normal. Below is a clip from the TONY’s opening number in which Aaron performed in tandem with Broadway legend Stockard Channing.

The TONY Awards performance was on June 7. The next day Aaron flew to Seattle and began rehearsals for Catch Me If You Can on June 9.

As you have seen, in just a few years time Aaron has established himself as one of Broadway’s fastest rising stars and I have no doubt that his performance in Catch Me If You Can will propel him into the top echelon of Broadway most outstanding performers. And years from now we will all be able to say “we saw him first here in Seattle at The 5th Avenue Theatre”.