Posts tagged with "Broadway"

“Parade” Cast Album

The cast album for the “brilliant” (Variety) 2023 revival of Parade — Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown’s award-winning musical, which opened on March 16 at New York’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre to rave reviews – is out now via Interscope Records. Parade (2023 Broadway Cast Recording) features the vocal talents of Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award® winner Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, and is conducted by three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown. Listen HERE.

Leo and Lucille Frank (Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond) are a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, Parade reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.

The current revival of Parade, which is directed by Michael Arden, has received overwhelming acclaim since its debut. Entertainment Weekly called it “a phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” while Variety said, “Ben Platt stuns in a powerful Broadway production of an essential American musical.”

Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, The Book of Mormon) and Diamond’s performances (The Cher Show) were singled out for praise. Deadline gushed “Ben Platt has no trouble reminding us just why he’s become one of Broadway’s most beloved performers. His vocals here are stunning in a pitch-perfect performance,” while The Guardian raved that “Micaela Diamond’s singing voice is luminous.” “Micaela Diamond, as Lucille Frank, breaks your heart with no affectation whatsoever, and a voice directly wired to her emotions,” wrote The New York Times in its Critic’s Pick review. Tickets are available now at https://paradebroadway.com/.

Parade (2023 Broadway Cast Recording) showcases their voices, as well as other members of the all-star cast, while capturing the essence of a musical that, Entertainment Weekly writes, “is the most gorgeous production on Broadway.” Viewers received a special preview of the musical on March 23 when Platt and Diamond performed its signature ballad “This Is Not Over Yet” on NBC’s Today accompanied by Jason Robert Brown on piano. Watch HERE.

Rosevale NYC

Rosevale NYC is a chic, yet precocious bar with a lot of life from the 1920s. A reasonably gracious dining experience delicately decorated. As soon as you enter the vestibule, you are instantly teleported into the world of boutique glamour and regency motif. Dimly lit and comfortable – ideal for a custom cocktail.

Service is regal. Steak tartare first and crab cake second. Succulent and full of flavor. Cleansed our pallets with a Bloody Mary and a Spicy Encounter apéritif. Soon after, we were enthusiastically approached by someone in leadership, smartly dressed and prepared for supper service. After all, we are nestled in the heart of Broadway as well as enamored by the dinner theatre ritual.

One thing for sure, the adjourned hotel within arm’s length, matched its energy. The glazed glass separated us from seduction. Finally, a magnificent phantom lodge with a hot companion. Furthermore, there is absolutely nothing ‘pedestrian’ about the Civilian that is reminiscent of the Hollywood Roosevelt with guests preparing for their misdeeds.

Out came the piping hot Pork chops in tandem with a duck entree. Subsequently, a side of Mac and cheese, creamy and innocuous makes an appearance. Finally, a panna cotta slab of cheesecake designed by the best baristas rewarded by Sirha Lyon.

Afterwards, we embarked on a tour of the compact campus. Immediately confronted by a gigantic spiral staircase which spilt into a rustic yet contemporary bar on level two. Ultimately, we elevator climbed into an abyss of skyscrapers on the 28th floor, bearing a wraparound balcony with breath-taking panoramic views of Alicia Keys‘ former stomping grounds, Hell’s Kitchen.

In sum, it’s a perfect venue for a celebratory evening and/or a romantic rendezvous.

Obie Awards

Are you a theater enthusiast, an experienced playwright, or a talented performer looking for recognition?

The Obie Awards is the perfect stage for both novice and seasoned artists. Thanks to a collaboration between The Village Voice and the American Theatre Wing, the Obie Awards celebrate the highest calibre of off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theater to honor progressive work, support groundbreaking ideas and advance theatrical careers. The event is held every year in New York City, and prizes are given out for outstanding acting and performance, design/music, direction, playwriting, and special citations. Obie accepts applications from competent individuals regardless of where they live. The awards are given to encourage and recognize original performances, as well as to nurture and grow talents. The Obie Awards have given recognition to some of the most well-known playwrights and artists, such as Heidi Schreck, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Benj Pasek. For many years, the Obie awards were thought to be reserved for formal presentations. However, the awards were made informal to provide limitless opportunities for individuals worthy of recognition.

Most Obie Award winners received training at the actor’s studio, through moderated sessions, workshops, and readings. The Actor’s Studio is an important platform to foster creativity. It is an NGO whose members have been influential in many American theaters since World War II. It is one of the best training facilities for the Stanislavsky Method of Acting. The Method, developed by the organization’s founding artistic director Lee Strasberg, is a set of methods and exercises that revolutionized acting across the globe. Artists are encouraged to use their memory and emotional experience to prepare for a significant role. The place offers a conducive environment where actors collaborate without the pressure of commercial agents. Professional actors, directors, and playwrights can improve their craft and discover the range and depth of their talent with the aid of The Actors Studio.

The 66th Annual Obie Awards will take place in November 2022. The 2022 awards will be co-chaired by Obie-winning Director and Producing Artistic Leader David Mendizábal and veteran theatre critic Melissa Rose Bernardo. The judges’ panel includes actor & fight choreographer Dave Anzuelo, actor & playwright Becca Blackwell, scenic designer Wilson Chin, Obie-winning playwright Haruna Lee, theater critic & journalist Soraya McDonald, Obie-winning director & playwright Lisa Peterson, Obie-winning actor Heather Alicia Simms, and Obie-winning costume designer Kaye Voyce.

Article by: Jess Chen

RENEÉ RAPP – Everything To Everyone

RISING POP STAR RENEÉ RAPP DROPS

EMOTIONAL DEBUT EP EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE

LISTEN HERE

Today, singer, actress and performer Reneé Rapp releases her emotionally raw debut EP Everything to Everyone via Interscope Records. The seven-song set is stacked with soaring ballads and polished pop anthems that highlight The Sex Lives of College Girls star’s vocal prowess and versatile talent.

Everything to Everyone (Interscope Records) by Reneé Rapp is now available at all digital retailers HERE.

The stripped-back title track and EP opener explores Rapp’s desire to show up for the important people in her life. Next up is the multi-hyphenate’s breakout single “In the Kitchen,”which reflects on a doomed relationship, and a brand new track titled “Colorado” that expresses her desire to leave Los Angeles behind. It’s the kind of unfiltered anthem that made her most recent release, “Don’t Tell My Mom,” so gut-wrenching. On the track, Rapp details her tumultuous, tight knit relationship with her mother. “Don’t tell my mom, I’m fallin’ apart,” she belts over minimal synths. “She hurts when I hurt, my scars are her scars.” The EP is rounded out by the songs “What Can I Do,” “Too Well,” and “Moon,” each of which showcases a slightly different shade of Rapp’s musical palate. It’s the kind of collection with a song for every mood or emotional state.

After probably 4 years of talking about putting out a project— my EP is here”, Rapp says of the new release. “I’m anxious and super fucking excited for you to hear. I hope you love it. and if you don’t love it, please don’t tell me. I’m super sensitive.”

The EP follows the singles “Don’t Tell My Mom,” “In the Kitchen,” and “Tattoos,” which have amassed more than 22 million combined streams. Throughout her career, Rapp has displayed a knack for captivating audiences with vibrant performances and unbridled energy. Outside of music, she stars in the hit HBO Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has its season 2 premiere next week. It’s a role that calls for brilliant comedic timing and dramatic prowess, both of which the newcomer has in spades. With Everything to Everyone, Rapp underlines the breadth and depth of her talent, veering from soaring ballads to uptempo pop anthems without missing a beat.

ABOUT RENEÉ RAPP:

Reneé Rapp knew she was born to perform ever since she was a child. Even in her earliest memories, her love of music was always present. “I couldn’t sit still in the car unless there was music,” she says. “Otherwise, I would cry the entire time.” The North Carolina native began harnessing her natural creativity by writing and recording songs when she was just a teenager. Eventually, her career took off when she landed the coveted role of Regina George in the Tony-nominated Mean Girls musical on Broadway. Shortly after, she found widespread recognition and praise—from the likes of W, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Hollywood Report for her performance as “Leighton” on the HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls” written by Mindy Kaling. Now, more empowered than ever, Rapp turns her attention back to music, where sharing threadbare insecurities on “Tattoos” is just the beginning. “I was called ‘crazy’ a lot growing up because I didn’t know what was going on with me,” she says. “As I got older and started going to therapy, I reclaimed the word in a way that feels good to me.” In this song and in the rest of her music to come Rapp leans into a uniquely bold showcase of vulnerability to connect with her ever-growing fandom. Eager to continue to share her emotions with the world, Reneé has much more music on the way under her recent signing to Interscope Records.

Reneé Rapp “Everything To Everyone”

Retail: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone

Amazon Music: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/amazonmusic

Apple: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/applemusic

Deezer: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/deezer

iTunes: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/itunes

Pandora: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/pandora

Spotify: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/spotify

Tidal: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/tidal

YouTube Music: https://ReneeRapp.lnk.to/EverythingToEveryone/youtubemusic

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SIR BOSS – BE CAREFUL

El artista con raíces peruanas y panameñas más conocido como Sir Boss, lanza su nueva canción llamada “Be Careful.”

“Be Careful” es una propuesta de una noche diferente, donde en una idea simple está lo fantástico”, dijo Sir Boss.

Esta canción escrita por Sir Boss y producida por el productor BK, es una mezcla de dancehall con un poco de rock, que plantea una mezcla de diferentes sonidos, como suele hacer Sir Boss en sus composiciones.

Los más recientes lanzamientos de Sir Boss son “Mala” junto a Yemil y BK, “Quality” junto Eiby y Da Silva y “Broadway” junto a Mole y Fulo el Yeyo. Los más recientes lanzamientos de Sir Boss son “Mala” junto a Yemil y BK, “Quality” junto Eiby y Da Silva y “Broadway” junto a Mole y Fulo el Yeyo.

Más sobre Sir Boss:
Carlos Paolo Torrejón, más conocido como Sir Boss, es un artista, productor y compositor nacido en Lima, Perú, pero radicado en Panamá desde los 6 años de edad, lo que lo ha llevado a tener influencias de ambos países.

Inició su carrera en el 2011 al introducirse en la industria musical panameña como productor y/o compositor para artistas como Sech, con quien trabajó temas como “El Error”, “El Grammy” y “Sentimientos de papel”, esta última con más de 15 millones de visualizaciones en Youtube. También hizo parte de “Good Bye” de Tachi, “Buquitdesalshi” de Boza, y “No te molestes” de Yemil, entre otras.

En el 2020 lanzó su proyecto como cantautor con “Asintomático”, seguido de “Verte Encima” y “Bandior”, las cuales también produjo. Desde pequeño sus influencias musicales han sido la salsa y el rock, lo cual lo ha incitado a atreverse a mezclar ritmos para construir esta nueva propuesta, que como la define él, es “fresca”

“BE CAREFUL” Disponible Aquí

Monroe Alise

Listen to Monroe Alise’s full conversation with Vaughn Lowery on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

Monroe Alise is an actress, LGBTQIA+ advocate, model and comedienne. As a transgender woman, she has fulfilled her childhood dream of working in the entertainment industry. Her philosophy on life is described in her mantra, “If you can’t laugh at life, you will never find a reason to live it.”

Born and raised in Washington DC, Monroe grew up passionate and inspired by media and entertainment. Her admiration for her father’s successful career as a DJ ignited her insatiable desire to entertain. Thus, she began singing in church, propelling her into the world of artistic expression.

For Monroe, a great singer consists of emulating your favorite idols while taking advantage of the potential of one’s own voice. As a child, she recalls being compared to artists like John Legend and Luther Vandross because of her tonality and courage. Another favorite is Nina Simone, whom she references while belting evangelical hymns.

As a youth, Monroe was a very active and social child. She studied sports public relations but fancied theatre. These disciplines were conducive to her discovery of sexuality. Further, she began to notice a direct correlation with her mother’s maternal responsibilites, rather than her father and two brother’s machismo profile.

According to Monroe, “While they were playing games and sports, I was in the kitchen doing my mom’s hair.” In addition, her openly gay aunt was influential in her gender transformation due to her immense pride and confidence.

Monroe’s gender bender was painstakingly challenging but became easier over time. For instance, while preparing for an acting role as a Trans woman, she became comfortable in this new skin. After the audition, she gave herself permission to continue to live within this newfound reality.

A year later, Monroe made the decision to come out, “I was like, well this is who I am, so I socially reinvented myself and this is the girl you see.” Eventhough the transition embraced authenticity, it was extremely taxing on her family as well as father’s religious convictions.

Lacking legit representation and management, Monroe began to utilize social media to seek opportunities within the realms of fashion and Hollywood. As a thespian, Monroe became enthralled by the portrayal of becoming another homosepian while subsequently having an impact on the world. This year’s main objective is New York City’s Broadway. Her short-term is to star in a sci-fi like Star Trek or Star Wars as well as a fantasy film similar in type to Harry Potter and Twilight. Longterm, Monroe aspires to host a namesake talk show directed and produced by herself.

As an emerging Trans Community activist, Monroe is deeply concerned about the increasing rate of violence against her people. She hopes to alleviate the suffering of her collective, especially at the hands and ignorance of the narrow-minded.

Monroe’s Five Principles:

1.) Adequate preparation;

2.) prevention of underachievement;

3.) working while you wait without worry;

4.) preparing for your mission;

5.) and continuing to work because you know you’ve been doing the best you could.

Credits:

Article: Andrea Esteban, McKinley Franklin, Armon Hayes, Vaughn Lowery

Photo: Corey Fletcher

Resources:

Trans Lifeline

Human Rights Campaign

Follow Monroe Alise:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter YouTube | Spotify

Check out Monroe on the latest season of P-Valley on Starz.

TEMPTATIONS 60

The Temptations, the legendary, Grammy Award ® -winning group, led by founding member, Otis Williams are kicking off their summer and fall concert seasons this month with fan favorites such as, “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” and more.

Hitting the road with original Temptations member, Otis Williams will be longtime lead vocalists, Ron Tyson, and Terry Weeks, and new to the group, Grammy-nominated vocalist Anthony “Tony” Grant, and new member, Jawan M. Jackson, from the original cast of the Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. Jackson played the starring role as beloved, original Temptation, Melvin Franklin.

Jawan M. Jackson will be making his debut with The Temptations this month as the bass vocalist. Born and raised in the heart of Motown, Jawan M. Jackson is a native of Detroit. Jackson made his professional debut starring in Broadway’s Motown: The Musical. In Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, he originated the leading role of Melvin Franklin and earned a Grammy® nomination for the musical’s cast album.

He has also appeared in several feature films, television movies, and specials. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Jackson began his career as a radio personality for Detroit’s top radio stations. Jackson is also thrilled to be part of the Board of Directors for Rosie’s Theatre Kids.

Anthony Grant, a Grammy-nominated vocalist joined the legendary Temptations earlier this year as a lead vocalist. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in North Carolina, Grant achieved his initial fame in the music industry as the lead vocalist for Az Yet (LaFace Records). He has also performed with a range of artists, including Brian McKnight, Dr. Dre, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, and Harry Connick Jr. He has also starred in several Tyler Perry theater productions and television series.

Ron Tyson, first tenor and a lead vocalist for the Temptations, has been a member of the group for 39 years, beginning in February 1983. Born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Monroe, NC, Ron was a big Temptations fan growing up and idolized Eddie Kendricks and his style. He feels blessed to be a member of the group and has often referred to his Temptations career as one of the greatest things to happen to him. Ron’s first appearance as a member of The Temptations was on the “Motown 25, Today, Yesterday, Forever” network television special in 1983.

Terry Weeks, a lead vocalist for the Temptations, has been with the group for 25 years, since 1997. Terry grew up in Bessemer, AL near Birmingham listening to gospel, bluegrass, and country music. Weeks spent eight years in the Air Force, from 1982 to 1990, serving in Korea and the U.S. at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS, and Gunter Air Force Station in Montgomery, AL. He would often sing locally around the Montgomery base, and performed in Tops in Blue, an Air Force ensemble, made up of active-duty members, that toured globally performing for airmen and their families.

Dr. Otis Williams said, “With the launch of our new album and our 60th-anniversary celebration continuing throughout the year, I am thrilled to have such talented vocalists as Tony Grant, and now Jawan Jackson, join our lineup. Just as The Temptations’ music has been passed between generations, it’s exciting for me, Ron, and Terry to share the stage with new generations of vocalists. We have an exciting concert tour planned for the summer and fall, and we look forward to seeing fans at our shows here and abroad.”

Jawan Jackson and Anthony Grant commented, “It’s amazing to be a part of a group with such a rich history and legacy and performing alongside Motown legend, Otis Williams as well as phenomenal vocalists Ron Tyson and Terry Weeks, all of whom we respect so much, is an honor.”

The Temptations are scheduled to headline concerts around the country this summer and then abroad this fall in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For concert details, see the link HERE.

To promote their new 60th Anniversary album, Temptations 60, available now via stream and as a CD edition, see the link HERE. The Temptations will be performing the single from the new album, “Is It Gonna Be Yes or No,” written and produced by the legendary Smokey Robinson, during their concerts.

The Temptations, often referred to as American music royalty, are world-renowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and prolific career. They are one of the most iconic, bestselling brands in the entertainment world today. While the group has evolved over the years, Dr. Otis Williams has continued to lead the group and carry the torch forward for the next generation of Temptations fans.

Ranked #1 in Billboard magazine’s most recent list of the “Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of All Time,” The Temptations also appear in the magazine’s 125th Anniversary list of the “125 Greatest of All Time Artists.” In addition, Rolling Stone magazine named the group among the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” In September of 2020, the editors of Rolling Stone magazine commented that The Temptations are “Indisputably the greatest black vocal group of the Modern Era…,” and listed the group’s Anthology album among the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The Anthology album has appeared in all three of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums lists.

The group is celebrating its 60th Anniversary through 2022. To mark this milestone, The Temptations released a brand-new album, Temptations 60, executive produced by founding member, Otis Williams. The new album consists of nearly all-original songs that are both modern and classic in feel and sound. In addition to tracks produced by group members, the album brings the iconic group together again with some of its beloved producers, including the legendary Smokey Robinson and Narada Michael Walden.

The Temptations are currently touring the U.S. and will also headline concerts this fall in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The Temptations have been the subject of a smash-hit Broadway musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, based on Otis Williams’ journey, which opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on March 21st, 2019. The musical received 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and won the Tony Award® for Best Choreography at the 73rd Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 10, 2019. Now on tour, the Musical is scheduled to open in theaters in more than 50 cities across the U.S. during the next several years. For details, see HERE.

Their Emmy® Award-Winning Television mini-series, The Temptations, which first aired to rave reviews in 1998, is still on air or streaming every day somewhere in the world. Williams’ critically acclaimed autobiography, Temptations, was released as an audiobook edition for the first time in 2020, with a new introduction by Williams.

Throughout the group’s evolution, they have released countless gold, platinum, and multi-platinum chart hits, many of which are considered American masterpieces. They have 16 No. 1 R&B chart albums, 44 Top 10 R&B chart hits, including, 14 No. 1 R&B singles, plus four No. 1 Hot 100 singles.

The Temptations heritage, influence, and contributions to, not only American culture and African American communities but also to the global music landscape are monumental. The Temptations presence in the world today has never been more vivid, and their popularity is ever-increasing.