Broadway

“The Heart of Rock and Roll” Does Exactly What It Needs To Do Joyfully 80s Style on Broadway

Published

2 weeks ago

May 17, 2024

Ross

“Hey, Bobby!” she calls to snap him out of his constant, adorable daydreaming. But it’s a different Bobby than the one who’s having a birthday over at Company, and it’s a whole different beast of a show, to be honest, as The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new jukebox musical comedy, inspired by the iconic songs of Huey Lewis and The News, drives forward with appealing delight. It’s a feast of fun and frivolity, setting itself up in 1987, as this Bobby, played charmingly by the wonderfully gifted Corey Cott (Broadway’s Bandstand), has his musical mind wandering all over the place about the future. He’s forever daydreaming of a way to climb that corporate ladder and make a name for himself after giving up his nighttime dreams of being a rock and roll star.

The man has traded in his family heirloom, an electric guitar, for a seat at the corporate table. But first, he has to navigate himself off of the conveyor belt line, working for a cardboard box company struggling to make ends meet. Bobby has some big ideas that he wants to deliver to his boss, the “Hip to Be Square” Stone, playing lovingly by John Dossett (Broadway’s War Paint), and his tense corporate daughter, Cassandra, who’s as tightly wound as one could be. Played adoringly by the wonderful and talented McKenzie Kurtz (Broadway’s Wicked; Frozen), Cassandra is one unique creation. She has given up her independent dreams of making it big on her own in the big city to return home after the death of her mother and help out her grieving father and the family business. And to no audience members’ surprise, these two opposites are as blindly attracted to each other as two souls can be, and they can’t seem to fight “The Power of Love.” And we know right from the get-go that we don’t want them to.

Corey Cott, McKenzie Kurtz, and the Company of Broadway’s *The Heart of Rock and Roll.* Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The Heart of Rock and Roll is exactly what you would imagine a musical comedy inspired by the songs of Huey Lewis and The News would be. It’s not breaking any new ground here, nor is it reformating or reinventing jukebox musicals. Many have called it the ‘first AI-invented musical’ as it checks all the boxes, moving like a well-timed machine through the framework of a well-intentioned musical. And I get why they say that, but as tenderly directed by Gordon Greenberg (RTC’s Holiday Inn) and inventively choreographed by profoundly good Lorin Latarro (Broadway’s Tommy), the show is definitely a whole lot more fun and enjoyable than many others who have tried and failed in the same format. It has a tender heart and a great comic backbone that never disappoints. The songs are as engagingly head-bopping as you remember, and performed with enthusiasm and love by a cast of pros that never let the piece falter or stall. The story is a rom-com joyride, fulfilling all the requirements of a feel-good jukebox show, but dressed up in the 80s, with costumes designed perfectly by Jen Caprio (Broadway’s Spamalot), a solidly functional set by Derek McLane (Broadway’s Purlie Victorious), well-formated lighting by Japhy Weideman (Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen), a solid sound design by John Shivers (Broadway’s Shucked), and layered with a few other popular themes around dreams, fulfillment, and family. That’s what gives it the Heart that they all keep singing about.

It’s a magnificent cardboard dance and ride on a well-tuned conveyor belt that soars into your heart and soul like your favorite soda pop, thanks to the music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Brian Usifer (Broadway’s Book of Mormon) led by musical director Will Van Dyke (Off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors). The book and story by Jonathan A. Abrams (“Juror No. 2“) with an assist from producer Tyler Mitchell (“Lucky Number Slevin“) is as charming as it is fun, filled with so many musical moments that make you sit up and take notice, especially when Bobby’s best gal pal, Roz, played to the heavens by the miraculous Tamika Lawrence (TNG’s Black No More), strides onto the stage. She’s one of the best things in this show filled with many best things.

Corey Cott, Raymond J. Lee, John Michael Lyles, and F. Michael Haynie in Broadway’s *The Heart of Rock and Roll.* Photo by Matthew Murphy

The Heart of Rock and Roll isn’t reinventing any kinda wheel, but there is enough playful energy flying forward from the cast that even though we see the ending pretty early on, we also want to enjoy the ride like that roller coaster we keep going on over and over again. Cause it’s just a whole heap of fun. The side kicks; Bobby’s former band mates: F. Michael Haynie (Broadway’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Glenn, Raymond J. Lee (Public’s Soft Power) as JJ, John-Michael Lyles (Broadway’s A Strange Loop) as Eli; and Casandra’s old school friends: Zoe Jensen (Broadway’s Six) as Paige and Josh Breckenridge (Broadway’s Come From Away) as Wyatt, all perform fabulously playing their parts with a wink and smile as they systematically deliver all the goods required. Orville Mendoza (CSC’s Pacific Overtures) as businessman Fjord, is a riot and delivers the ridiculous with the biggest Swedish wink you could give, and Billy Harrington Tighe (Broadway’s Pippin) as Tucker does a fantastic job playing the old boyfriend from Cassandra’s past who represents everything we don’t want for her. As written, it’s the perfect balance of sleaze and charm that makes us understand why she would have dated him before when she was at school, but also makes us want her to forget all about him and focus her eyes on Cott’s Bobby, cause that the ending we truly want.

The Heart of Rock and Roll does not disappoint, not in the slightest. It’s warm-hearted, well-played, beautifully performed, fantastically charming, and full of fun, without ever trying to be of a higher frame than it needs to be. I’m not surprised it didn’t garner a ton of nominations this award season. It’s not that kind of show, but don’t be fooled by this. It’s pretty much one of the funniest fun musical rides on Broadway. It doesn’t pretend to be ‘high art’ but doesn’t really need to be for us to laugh and cheer for these two to finally give it all up for Love.

Corey Cott, McKenzie Kurtz, and the Company of Broadway’s *The Heart of Rock and Roll.* Photo by Matthew Murphy.

For more go to frontmezzjunkies.com

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Ross

My love for theater started when I first got involved in high school plays and children's theatre in London, Ontario, which led me—much to my mother’s chagrin—to study set design, directing, and arts administration at York University in Toronto. But rather than pursuing theater as a career (I did produce and design a wee bit), I became a self-proclaimed theater junkie and life-long supporter. I am not a writer by trade, but I hope to share my views and feelings about this amazing experience we are so lucky to be able to see here in NYC, and in my many trips to London, Enlgand, Chicago, Toronto, Washington, and beyond. Living in London, England from 1985 to 1986, NYC since 1994, and on my numerous theatrical obsessive trips to England, I've seen as much theater as I can possibly afford. I love seeing plays. I love seeing musicals. If I had to choose between a song or a dance, I'd always pick the song. Dance—especially ballet—is pretty and all, but it doesn’t excite me as, say, Sondheim lyrics. But that being said, the dancing in West Side Story is incredible! As it seems you all love a good list, here's two. FAVORITE MUSICALS (in no particular order): Sweeney Todd with Patti Lupone and Michael Cerveris in 2005. By far, my most favorite theatrical experience to date. Sunday in the Park with George with Jenna Russell (who made me sob hysterically each and every one of the three times I saw that production in England and here in NYC) in 2008 Spring Awakening with Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele in 2007 Hedwig and the Angry Inch (both off-Boadway in 1998 and on Broadway in 2014, with Neal Patrick Harris, but also with Michael C. Hall and John Cameron Mitchell, my first Hedwig and my last...so far), Next To Normal with Alice Ripley (who I wish I had seen in Side Show) in 2009 FAVORITE PLAYS (that’s more difficult—there have been so many and they are all so different): Angels in American, both on Broadway and off Lettice and Lovage with Dame Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack in 1987 Who's Afraid of Virginai Woolf with Tracy Letts and Amy Morton in 2012 Almost everything by Alan Ayckbourn, but especially Woman in Mind with Julia McKenzie in 1986 And to round out the five, maybe Proof with Mary Louise Parker in 2000. But ask me on a different day, and I might give you a different list. These are only ten theatre moments that I will remember for years to come, until I don’t have a memory anymore. There are many more that I didn't or couldn't remember, and I hope a tremendous number more to come. Thanks for reading. And remember: read, like, share, retweet, enjoy. For more go to frontmezzjunkies.com

Broadway

The Glorious Corner

Published

1 day ago

June 2, 2024

G. H. HARDING

G.H. Harding

ELTON’S METALLICA MOMENT —(Via Ultimate Classic Rock) Elton John provided inspiration as James Hetfield continued writing sessions for Metallica’s next album. They performed John’s “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” during the March ceremonies where he and longtime co-composer Bernie Taupin received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Hetfield came away “challenged” – and inspired.

Metallica then took a break, only getting together for a few loose jams, before preparations began for ongoing European dates in support of 2023’s ’72 Seasons.

“The time off has been pretty fantastic but, at the same time, I missed playing with the guys,” Hetfield tells The Metallica Report podcast. “And I let them know, ‘Man, I miss jamming with you guys!'”

Hetfield spent much of this downtime working on new songs while hidden away in a makeshift basement studio. John’s signature medley from the 1973 multi-platinum double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road stuck with him. “The Elton John thing was so fantastic – had a blast there,” Hetfield adds. “Elton, what a beautiful soul.”

It may have been a vacation, but Hetfield continued “playing guitar pretty much every day. I have to. It’s like breathing,” Hetfield confirms. “Whether it’s an escape from life or whatever it is, I love my little music room basement. I’ve got a computer, a few guitars and a little rig set up. It is my soul-nourishing place, to go in there and just play and write. Not so much practicing; it’s just writing.”

As for the songs, “I get inspired [by] all kinds of different music, listening to it. Even the Elton John thing, hanging out with Elton and Bernie Taupin challenged me. Watching [the 2019 John biopic] Rocketman and seeing how they wrote – Elton is such a visionary in the way that Bernie sets a set of lyrics, a poem, in front of him and he sees the music just appearing, which is bizarre to me. I’m more of the old Tony Iommi way, where, ‘Here is the riff, and we build around the riff,’ you know?”

I wasn’t a Metallica fan, but when I heard their inventive and terrific “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” I was immediately hooked.

John & Yoko

SHORT TAKES — Great story in Clive Young’s Mix on 496 Broome Street in NYC, that John & Yoko owned and where The Committee for John & Yoko was headquartered as well as Yoko’s tarot-card reader John Greene – who lived there for decades there rent free. I know as I worked for the Committee when I was in college. Here’s the story: https://www.mixonline.com/news/john-lennon-yoko-ono-home-recording-studio-hits-the-market?utm_term=2B400D4A-A644-43F4-980A-3A38D94AC1E6&utm_medium=email&utm_content=6E5F5624-3022-44F4-BD6E-852EE8165A39&utm_source=SmartBrief …

George Clooney/Brad Pitt

The new George Clooney/Brad Pitt movie Wolfs is due next month. Here’s the rather long trailer. Interestingly enough, the whole plot seems to unravel in the trailer. Weird? That usually means the movie’s a turkey. Take a peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hRQyb5cCA8 … SIGHTING: PR-pasha David Salidor at Smith at Lincoln Center en route to Uncle Vanya …

Orfeh and Andy Karl

Broadway’s Andy Karl and Orfeh separating? Wow Karl pulled a fast one. Read Page Six: https://pagesix.com/2024/05/27/entertainment/broadway-star-andy-karl-swanning-about-nyc-with-new-woman-after-ending-marriage-with-orfeh-weeks-ago/ …

This week’s Hacks is their third-season finale. What a fabulous show. Brilliant writing and acting. We love it and it just scored a renewal for Season 4 … Micky Dolenz’s The Zombie Wedding premieres in Vineland, New Jersey on Thursday, June 13. Dolenz cameos as DJ Cricket …

Richard Dreyfuss

Both Robert DeNiro and Richard Dreyfuss had what some might call media-outbursts in the past week. I wonder if this is to be a new trend amongst the glitterati? Stay tuned.

NAMES IN THE NEWS — David Adelson; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Alison Martino; Jim Bessman; Joe Lynch; David Krumholtz; Vinny Rich; Robert Funaro; Donnie Kehr; Doug Breitbart; Harrison Jordan; David Browne; Evan Levy; Mark Simone; Dan Zelinski; James Edstrom; Barry Fisch; Ken Melamed; John Billings; Craig Newman; and Sadie!

Images on this page have been licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Broadway

Ellen’s Stardust Diner Celebrates PRIDE With God’s Love We Deliver

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2024

Suzanna Bowling

This morning Ellen’s Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway at 51^st Street kicked off its month-long partnership for June, with special performances by Broadway stars Corey Mach, Anastacia McCleskey, and Jelani Remy.

Proceeds from the diner’s rainbow cake, rainbow milkshake, and co-branded merchandise will go towards God’s Love We Deliver.

Ellen Hart, Owner of Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Stephen Covello, Chief Philanthropy Officer, God’s Love We Deliver welcome a month filled with love, acceptance, and, above all, PRIDE, by supporting God’s Love We Deliver, a NYC-based nonprofit that plans to cook and home-deliver more than 4.3 million medically tailored meals to New Yorkers living with severe and chronic illness just this year. From June 1 to June 30, 2024, guests can order two menu items, Ellen’s rainbow cake and rainbow milkshake, as well as purchase co-branded merchandise – all while showing their “pride” and raising awareness for an important cause. With each purchase of the cake, milkshake, or t-shirt, Ellen’s Stardust Diner will donate 20% of the proceeds to God’s Love We Deliver.

Stephen Covello, Ellen Hart, Owner of Ellen’s Stardust Diner and

Jelani Remy, Actor in Broadway’s Back to the Future The Musical entertained with Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes off You”. Click here to see his performance.

Jelani Remy, Ellen Hart, Anastacia McCleskey and Corey Mach

Anastacia McCleskey, Singer/Actress in Broadway’s Suffs sang “I Didn’t Plan It” from Waitress. Click here to see her performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irpWuUm8zpwCorey Mach, from Merrily We Roll Along was in a “New York State of Mind”. Click here to see his performance.

And a terrific performance of “What have you done today to make you feel proud?”

With its earliest roots as an AIDS support organization, God’s Love We Deliver has evolved to serve the broader needs of the chronically ill, including individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. Since its founding 39 years ago, the organization proudly serves over 4 million meals each year and more than 15,000 meals each weekday, a number that will continue to grow with the engagement of volunteers and donations from supporters like Ellen’s Stardust Diner who comprise 65% of all funding. At God’s Love We Deliver, each meal is handcrafted with love, always made with quality ingredients, and delivered with personalized care when New Yorkers need it most.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is open 365 days a year from 7 am to midnight. For more information, visit www.ellensstardustdiner.com. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

Broadway

Theatre News: Gypsy, LaChanze, Once Upon A Mattress, Job, Hadestown, Bradley Jaden, Beth Leavel and Shoshana Bean

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2024

Suzanna Bowling

T2c has been saying that since we say Audra McDonald at Carnegie Hall singing from Gypsy that we knew she would be playing this role on Broadway, so we are pleased to announce Here she is, boys! Here she is, world! Here’s Audra! Six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Broadway this fall, taking on what is widely regarded as the greatest role in musical theatre, “Rose” in Gypsy. This upcoming revival will be directed by the legendary five-time Tony Award-winning Director George C. Wolfe. Gypsy features a book by Tony Award Winner Arthur Laurents, music by Tony and Academy Award Winner Jule Styne, and lyrics by Tony, Grammy, Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize Winner Stephen Sondheim. The choreography will be by four-time Tony Award nominated Camille A. Brown. Additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later date.

Audra McDonald

“When we began this journey we had the specific dream of pairing Audra McDonald, our most lauded stage actress, with legendary director George C. Wolfe in a musical deemed by many to be the greatest. Sometimes the theatre gods smile upon us.

Performances will begin Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre (245 West 44^th Street) and will open on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Tickets for Gypsy go on sale Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10am via telecharge.com.

LaChanze Photo Credit: Justin Schuman Photography

Tony Award-winning producer LaChanze (Kimberly Akimbo, Topdog/Underdog) is thrilled to announce the launch her new multimedia production company, LaChanze Productions. LCP is focused on producing original works that will attract contemporary audiences by bringing new voices to center stage. LCP aims to reimagine traditional theatrical concepts and revitalize commercial theatre, making it exciting and accessible for all. LaChanze serves as Producer and Managing Director of the new entity.

LCP will discover, develop, and deliver groundbreaking Broadway and commercial entertainment projects. With a mission to nurture untapped talent both on and off stage, prioritize inclusivity and create productions that inspire and reflect the human condition, LCP aims to usher in a new era of entertainment. While current projects in development are plays and musicals, LCP plans to expand into film and television as well.

LaChanze is currently a producing partner with Marylee Fairbanks on the new Broadway musical The Outsiders, which received 12 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical in 2024. She had already found tremendous success as a producer on the Broadway productions of Kimberly Akimbo (Tony Award, Best Musical), Topdog/Underdog (Tony Award, Best Play Revival), Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (five 2024 Tony nominations, including Best Play) and Here Lies Love (four 2024 Tony nominations).

A veteran theatre and entertainment professional for over 40 years, LaChanze brings keen insight to her approach as a producer. “Since 2009, I have wanted a seat on the other side of the table,” she shares. “As a career theatre professional, I have had the good fortune to witness all aspects of what it takes to build a successful theatrical production. My love for this industry coupled with my advocacy to develop new audiences has inspired me to launch LaChanze Productions. I hope to bring a unique perspective to each project we produce and I look forward to continuing to build this company, nurture new productions and bring on other passionate people to join me in this endeavor.”

A private industry reading of Reunion in Bartersville, written by Celeste Bedford Walker and one of the first new works from LCP, will take place on June 13, 2024 at Signature Theatre (480 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036). The reading will be directed by Jerry Dixon. Nzinga Williams will serve as General Manager.

New Works from LaChanze Productions:

Reunion in Bartersville
A whodunnit set on a group of senior citizens who come together for their 50th High School Class reunion.

The Sea Witch
Before she took the mermaid’s voice, she gave up her own heart. The untold story of how a girl became the sea’s most feared villain.

Gifted
A love-triangle that follows the journey of Marcus, a teenager who discovers that he has the ability to stop time, which gains him entry into the superpowered high school, Wilford School for the Elite.

Love Warrior
A one-man performance that highlights that power of the human spirit can triumph over immeasurable trauma. Daniel “Koa” Beaty shares his journey to transform his pain to power. (Produced with Vanessa V. Williams for Asé Enterprises).

Buena Vista Social Club
An homage to the famed Cuban nightclub that gave birth to Afro-Cuban legends and their untold story. (Co-Producer).

Another show we said should move was Once Upon A Mattress. Drama Desk Award winner and SAG Award nominee Michael Urie (Spamalot, HBO’s “Shrinking”, “Ugly Betty”) will reprise his role and star alongside Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (Anything Goes, The Music Man) in Once Upon A Mattress on Broadway this summer. Direct from its record-breaking, sold-out run at New York City Center’s Encores! earlier this year, the show returns to Broadway in a new adaptation by Emmy Award winner Amy Sherman-Palladino (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Gilmore Girls”), directed by Tony Award nominee and Drama League Award winner Lear deBessonet (Into The Woods). Once Upon A Mattress begins previews Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and opens on Monday, August 12, 2024 at The Hudson Theatre (141 W 44th St), for a limited engagement through November 30, 2024. Tickets are on sale to the general public today, Wednesday, May 29, at OnceUponAMattress.com.

Following two sold-out runs Off-Broadway, JOB, the smash hit play by Max Wolf Friedlich, will open on Broadway this summer starring acclaimed original cast members Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon. Directed by Michael Herwitz, JOB will begin performances on Monday, July 15 and open on Tuesday, July 30 at the Hayes Theater (240 West 44^th Street) for a limited engagement through Sunday, September 29

Tickets for JOB are on sale now at www.jobtheplay.com, www.telecharge.com, or by calling 800 447 7400. Tickets will be on sale at the Hayes Theatre box office starting on Tuesday, June 4.

Jane (Lemmon), an employee at a big tech company (you know the one), has been placed on leave after becoming the subject of a viral video. She arrives in the office of a crisis therapist – Loyd (Friedman) – determined to be reinstated to the job that gives her life meaning. JOB zooms in on two careerists of different generations, genders, and political paradigms to examine what it means to be a citizen of the internet and our obligation to help the people who need it most.

Stephanie Mills

Grammy Award winner Stephanie Mills will join the cast of the Tony^® and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, Hadestown as ‘Hermes.’ Known for her Grammy Award-winning music and for her iconic portrayal of ‘Dorothy’ in the original production of The Wiz, Mills will make her return to Broadway on Tuesday, July 2 at the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 W 48^th Street).

“After nearly 50 years in the entertainment business, which is all I’ve ever known, every fiber of my professional being I owe to the discipline of my Broadway training as a child at the beginning of my career,” stated Mills. “The joy of life’s full circle moment for me is returning to my roots—only this time as Hermes in Hadestown. Power!”

Beth Level

West End Superstar Bradley Jaden will make his US debut on Monday June 3rd at Sony Hall along with the iconic Tony Award winner Beth Leavel and two time Tony Award and Grammy Award nominee Shoshana Bean.

Broadway

The Glorious Corner

Published

5 days ago

May 29, 2024

G. H. HARDING

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!

Images on this page have been licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Broadway

Backstage with Richie Ridge Presents

Published

5 days ago

May 29, 2024

Suzanna Bowling

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 54^th 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.