Events
Career Bridges Opera Gala: Vibrations on the Air
Written by Lorraine Silvetz
New York’s glitterati and legendary figures in opera and Broadway assembled in force to celebrate the next generation of opera stars, recipients of awards, for the Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges at the beautiful and renowned, Metropolitan Club. It was a night of great elegance, beauty and music marking the 20th anniversary Opera Gala. The Black Tie attired crowd entered the majestic Metropolitan Club and slipped into its palatial marble interior where drinks and hors d’oeuvres were flowing for all to enjoy.
David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender
The foundation has been performing a vital service for 20 years now. Career Bridges founded by David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender with the mission of providing vital assistance to young opera singers as they transition from training to stage. Attendees receive three years of mentoring, financial support and performance opportunities based on the recommendations of 20-25 member Panel of Experts, comprised of internationally recognized experts in repertory and vocal coaching, conductors, stage directors, artist managers/agents, opera company impresarios, et al. A combination of of expert selection and this assistance has had a remarkable rate of success. Every year, barring the pandemic, Career Bridges spearheads a competition where they award career grants to young artists. Those winners have the opportunity to perform and receive expert critique from a panel of professionals in the business, directors, voice teachers, performers, etc. The singers are then granted a conference with David and Barbara where the critiques are discussed and further helpful suggestions are given. The grant winners have the opportunity to return for 3 more years to “check in” to see if the hard work they have done has been realized for the panel. What incredible mentorship for these fortunate young singers.
CB Award Winners 2024
First Row: Esther Tonea, Shu Li, Michelle Geffner, Lindsey Polcyn
Second Row: Yichen Xue, Trevor Haumschilt-Rocha, Wonjin Choi, Scott Ruben La Marca
This year’s award winners include Wonjin Choi, a Korean tenor, Michelle Geffner, a soprano and graduate of Julliard, Trevor Haumschilt-Rocha, a Mexican-American baritone, Scott Ruben La Marca, tenor, Shu Li, soprano, Lindsey Polcyn, mezzo-soprano, Esther Tonea, a Romanian-American soprano, and Vichen Xue, a baritone. They were all outstanding.
Guiseppe Signorrini, Jane Thorngren, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Randy Edelman
The sumptuous food and drinks poured through the gorgeous marble room as the many attendees milled about to view the extensive auction items, meeting one another, in some cases, for the first time.
Abe Shainberg, Chen Wang, Lorraine Silvetz, and Nicota Hawkeye
When it was time for the dinner and performance to begin the guests moved to the breathtaking dining room. The Benders, a beautiful and talented couple, opening remarks set the tone for the elegant evening. The Gala was hosted by President of the Rodgers and Hammerstein organization, Theodore S. Chapin who led many Broadway productions including over 20 award-winning Broadway and London revivals. He was also the co-founder of City Center’s “Encores.”
Huguens Noel, David Sexta, Jude Elie (candidate for President of Haiti 2024) and Nicota Hawkeye
There were several honorees including Jason Kwintner, who received the Distinguished Achievement Award for coordinating their events first at the Essex House and then at the Metropolitan Club for the last 18 years. He brings a spirit of warmth, dedication and commitment to bring each event to life.
Lifetime Achievement Winner, Jane Bergere with CB Founders, David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender
Another Distinguished Achievement Award was given to Jane Bergere, an Olivier and multi-Tony Award winning producer. Prior to producing on and off Broadway, Jane was the Artistic Director of Connecticut’s Broadway Theatre in Darien, CT, where she produced over 50 musicals. She was recognized by the New York Timies for having brought Broadway to Connecticut and launching the careers of many actors, directors, choreographers, and other industry professionals working on Broadway. She is currently represented on Broadway with “Water for Elephants.” Past productions include Metamorphosis, The Shark is Broken, Funny Girl, Beetlejuice, Kinky Boots, Angels in America and War Horse to name a few.
Cherie Corso, Jennifer Harrison, Sara Johnson Kaplan and Lorraine Silvetz
The Lifetime Humanitarian Award was given to Dr. Joan Taub Ades who is a prominent member of premiere philanthropic circles in New York and throughout the country. Mrs. Ades, along with her late husband, Alan M. Ades, made significant contributions to the arts and education that hav etouched the lives of countless people. She and her husband created and funded the Alan M and Joan Taub Ades Performance Space at Manhattan School of Music, a versatile performance and event space that is outfitted for music, theater, dance, and multimedia events. The Ades Family Foundation established and continues to fund MSM’s prestigious Alan M. and Joan Taub Ades Vocal Competition, an annual event that is judged by an esteemed panel of opera professionals and awards significant cash prizes to winning students. She is the creator of Joan’s Closet which his a program exclusive to MSM’s female students which provides them with clothing for auditions and recitals at no charge.
Composer Randy Edelman received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contribution to music. He was introduced by Tribeca Record owner John “Soho Johnny” Pasquale. Edelman is one of Tribeca’s signed artists. Randy is prolific having composed over 100 film and TV soundtracks including: My Cousin Vinny, Billy Madison, While You Were Sleeping, Dragonheart, Gettysburg, Shanghai Noon, Ghostbusters II, The Mask, Twins, Beethoven, The Bruce Lee Story, and the Last of the Mohicans which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He created the music for “Dare Mighty Things” for NASA, the series MacGyver, among so many more. His pop songs have been covered by renowned artists including Barry Manilow, Patti LaBelle, Olivia Newton-John, Nelly, Dionne Warwick among many others. The multi-award winning serialist has received some of the most prestigious awards including BMI’s highest honor, the Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Achievement Award, an Emmy for the close of the NBC Olympic Broadcast, and an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati.
Before receiving his award, Randy performed his famous song, “A Weekend in New England” recorded by Barry Manilow. The audience was visibly moved recognizing the famous song. After receiving his award he did an encore performing the last song Bing Crosby performed before his death, “The Woman On My Arm.”
For the finale, the entire ensemble joined in the highly appropriate “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. For many a career in Opera might seem an impossible dream but Career Bridges co-Artistic Directors, Barbara and David Bender and their team make the dream all the more possible.
In the words of Ludwig van Beethoven: The vibrations on the air are the breath of God speaking to man’s soul. Music is the language of God. We musicians are as close to God as man can be. We hear his voice, we read his lips, we give birth to the children of God, who sing his praises.
Photo credit: Max Flores
G.H. Harding
KNIVES OUT AGAIN — (Via Deadline) The next installment in the Knives Out series has its title. Writer/director Rian Johnson announced on social media this morning that the film will be called Wake Up Dead Man. It was also confirmed that the film would come out sometime in 2025 and that production would be under way soon with Daniel Craig returning to star.
Johnson returns as the writer and director of the series and will also produce the pic with his partner Ram Bergman. Plot details are unknown and as of now Craig is the only talent involved.
The most recent pic, Glass Onion, bowed in 2022 with Craig returning as world famous detective Benoit Blanc. The film premiered on Netflix after the streamer made a record setting $450 million deal for the two sequels with this being the third in the series.
SHORT TAKES — The trailer for Beverley Hills Cop 4 is out. Here it is:
Harold Faltermeyer
The theme for the movie sounds like a cheap re-working of “Alex F” an electronic instrumental track by German musician Harold Faltermeyer …
The Wallows
The Wallows, who I’ve never heard of, kicked off the Today Show Summer Concert series. When interviewed, each of them said they used to watch the show before they went to school. My, I wonder how that made the hosts feel? Even Carson Daly, who’s no kid either, must have batted an eye. Interesting band. Nothing special I saw, but good luck to them …
David Krumholtz
SIGHTING: David (Numbers) Krumholtz at the Factory Bar Friday for Trivia Night … (Via Theatermania) Grammy
Stephanie Mills
Award winner Stephanie Mills will return to Broadway to play Hermes in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Her first performance will be July 2, coinciding with the start dates of Maia Reficco and Yola. Mills takes over from Jon Jon Briones, who plays his final performance June 30. Mills originated the role of Dorothy in the first Broadway production of The Wiz in 1975. Her last appearance on Broadway was for a special concert in 1989 … The Washington Post will go full AI. Check out this story: https://futurism.com/washington-post-pivot-ai
Tracker
… A short Memorial Day-vacay in East Hampton was great. Checked out Sakura and was introduced to CBS’ Tracker with Justin Hartley. Smartly done and directed by Ken Olin from Thirtysomething. Impressed for sure …
Billy Joel
The Long Island Musical Hall of Fame abruptly canceled their June 7 event, honoring Billy Joel at Tilles Center. Performers at the event were to be Run-DMC; Debbie Gibson; and Felix Cavaliere. Joel said a family event would prevent him from attending …
RIP producer
Al Ruddy
. He produced The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby. Check out Deadline’s obit: https://deadline.com/2024/05/al-ruddy-dead-godfather-million-dollar-baby-1235942541/
NAMES IN THE NEWS — Marsha Stern; Jane Berk; Randy Jones; James Edstrom; Chuck Scarborough; Bill Adler; Dan Zelinski; Bobby Shaw; Mike Greenly; Mark Bego; Roy Trakin; Crispin Cioe; Steve Walter; Steve Paul; Lou Reed; Foreigner; Bobby Watman; Bobby Orlando; Adriana Kaegi; Thomas Silverman; Seymour Stein; Barry and Marissa Zelman; Dan Zelinski; and ZIGGY!
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Drama Desk and OCC member Richie Ridge, of Broadway World’s Backstage with Richie Ridge, will moderate a discussion with Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James, both Drama Desk nominees for Lead Performance in a Musical for Days of Wine and Roses, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29 at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Robin Williams Center (247 West 54th St., opposite Studio 54). Drama Desk members are invited. The doors will open at 1:30 p.m., and attendance is first come, first served. Latecomers may not be admitted.
Based on the 1964 movie about a couple falling in love in 1950s New York and struggling to maintain a family in the face of alcohol addiction, Days of Wine and Roses, with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas, opened at Studio 54 on Jan. 28, 2024. O’Hara and d’Arcy James are both Tony nominees as well.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation and BroadwayWorld have partnered for a filmed Conversations Q&A series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theater community in New York City and the actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen.
If you would like to attend, please fill out the form here. Be sure to select the Non-member option.
Richie Ridge, of Broadway World’s Backstage with Richie Ridge, will moderate adiscussion with stars of the new Drama Desk– and Tony-nominated musical The Outsiders at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Robin Williams Center (247 West 54th St., opposite Studio 54). Members of the Drama Desk are invited to attend. The doors will open at 1:30 p.m., and attendance is first come, first served. Latecomers may not be admitted.
Participants in the panel will be Drama Desk and Tony nominees director Danya Taymor and lead actor Brody Grant, along with Tony featured actor nominees Sky Lakota-Lynch and Joshua Boone. With music and lyrics by Justin Levine and a book by Levine and Adam Rapp, The Outsiders, is a nominee for both Drama Desk and Tony Awards for best musical, opened at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater on April 11, 2024.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation and BroadwayWorld have partnered for a filmed Conversations Q&A series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theater community in New York City and the actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen.
If you would like to attend, please fill out the form here. Be sure to select the Non-member option.
We are so pleased to announce our guests this week are Director/ performer Ashley Griffin and Broadway’s Danny Gardner Join us Wednesday May 22nd at 5pm.
Ashley Griffin
Ashley Griffin is a Broadway writer/performer most well known as the first person in history to be nominated for a major award (New York Innovative Theater Award) for both playing and directing Hamlet (for a theatrical production.) As a writer Ashley’s work has been produced/developed at New World Stages, Manhattan Theater Club, Playwrights Horizons and more. Ashley received the WellLife Network Award and a county commendation for her Off-Broadway play Trial (directed by Lori Petty and heralded as “If this show were on Broadway it would win the Pulitzer” – Stagescore) which is currently in talks for a transfer. She has written extensively for film and T.V. and is the author of two bestselling novels, Blank Paige and The Spindle. As a performer, Ashley has appeared extensively on and Off-Broadway as well as in T.V. and film. Highlights include work at The Gershwin Theater, Lincoln Center, Playwrights Horizons, MTC and The Public Theater, as well as on The Greatest Showman and “Homeland.” She holds a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has trained at RADA, the National Theater and the Boston Conservatory. www.ashleygriffinofficial.com
Danny Gardner
Danny Gardner starred io Broadway Flying Over Sunset, A Christmas Carol and Dames At Sea. City Center Encores!: Dick Trevor in Lady, Be Good! (Subsequent Album). Radio City Music Hall: Dad / George M. Cohan in The NY Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. His national tours include Here to Stay – The Gershwin Experience!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and 42nd Street. Off-Broadway: Cheek To Cheek (The York Theater), Time Step (New Victory Theater), Room 17B and Everybody Gets Cake(59E59th Street Theaters). His regional theatre experience includes; Dial M For Murder (Geva Theater Center & Dallas Theatre Center), Bach At Leipzig (People’s Light and Theatre Company), Crazy For You (Signature Theatre), Singin’ in the Rain (Chicago’s Marriott Lincolnshire), Mary Poppins (Houston’s Theatre Under The Stars), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (John W. Engeman Theater). @dannyjgnyc, www.danny-gardner.com
These two are staring in a limited three-week engagement of The Opposite of Love presented by NewYorkRep May 28 through June 15 at Royal Family Performing Arts Space (145 W. 46th Street, NYC). The Opposite of Love is an intimate story about a down on his luck hustler and a trust fund baby who form an unlikely bond when she hires him to help overcome her sexual trauma. Can this unexpected connection transcend their darker inclinations in a world where love is a commodity? Directed by Rachel Klein (The Gospel According to Heather). Opening night is Thursday May 30 at 7PM. Tickets are now on sale at EventBrite.com.
“Live From The Hotel Edison Times Square Chronicles Presents ”, is a show filmed at the iconic Hotel Edison, before a live audience. To see our past episodes; First episode click here second episode click here, third episode click here, fourth episode click here, fifth episode click here, sixth episode here, seventh episode here, eighth episode here, ninth episode here, tenth episode here, eleventh episode here, our twelfth episode here, thirteenth episode here, fourteenth here and fifteenth here.
As you lay out by the pool, the beach, Central Park or on the sidelines of a parade, T2C offers you music to celebrate and get you in the mood.
The Glorious Corner
Backstage with Richie Ridge Presents
Backstage with Richie Ridge Presents The Outsiders
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