Playbill
Christine Ebersole, Adam Pascal, Bruce Vilanch Will Perform at Queens Theatre in the Park
By Adam Hetrick
25 Aug 2010

Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole, Billy Stritch, Adam Pascal and Bruce Vilanch have been announced to appear during the 2010-2011 season at the Queens Theatre in the Park.

Comedian Jackie Mason will perform his new solo evening of comedy Oct. 23 at 8 PM and Oct. 24 at 3 PM; Tony nominee Tsidii (The Lion King) will offer her tribute concert to Odetta, Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba, To the Rising Sun, Oct. 24 at 3 PM and Nov. 13 at 2 PM; and Robert Royston’s dance musical One Ride will be presented Oct. 29-Nov. 7.
Rent star Adam Pascal and Larry Edoff will present meandlarry, a concert of original songs and music from Pascal’s stage career, Nov. 13 at 8 PM.

The 1960′s-themed musical The Bikinis, featuring “It’s In His Kiss” and “Under the Boardwalk,” will run Dec. 2-12. Ray Roderick will direct the musical he co-wrote with James Hindman. The Ma Yi Theatre Company will present I_NY, which explores the lives of immigrant New Yorkers, Dec. 18 at 8 PM.

The new musical Slow Dance with a Hot Pickup, with a book by Tony nominee John Pielmeier (Agnes of God) and a score by Emmy winner Matty Selman, will run March 18-27, 2011, under the direction of Nancy Robillard.

Tony winner Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch will perform highlights from their concert careers and their album “Sunday in New York” April 16, 2011, at 8 PM; Neil Berg will bring offer Broadway Showstoppers April 22-May 1, 2011.

Award-winning writer and Hairspray star Bruce Vilanch will join the Bev Leslies for an evening of comedy May 7, 2011, at 8 PM, and TheatreworksUSA will perform the Lynn Ahrens-Stephen Flaherty musical Seussical May 28, 2011, at 11 AM and 1 PM.

For tickets phone (718) 760-0064 or visit QueensTheatre. The Queens Theatre in the Park is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

www.beyondchron.org
HELP IS ON THE BIGGEST SUCCESS EVER
by Buzzin’ Lee Hartgrave‚ Aug. 20‚ 2010

HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TERRIFIC A.I.D.S GALA

CAROLE COOK COMES OUT IS A MAGNIFICENT RED DRESS. SHE STANDS AND GLARES AT THE CROWD AND SAYS: “You don’t leave the Rolls Royce in the Garage, do you?” Then she quipped “There isn’t a man in this audience that wouldn’t arm wrestle for this dress.” And that is what began a wild and wonderful evening of song, dance and Comedy. The Comedy was by Bruce Vilanch and singing was by dozens, but here are some of the highlights. James Darren called me to tell me how much he enjoyed being in the show. I got kind of confused when he called and said: “Hi Lee – this is Jimmy Darren”. I’ve always known him as James. He’s a really great star and showed the audience (who really went berserk) when he came out and sang a stunning version of “You’d Better Love Me”. And…of course everyone did. He’s coming back to San Francisco to see about doing a few nights at a club here. Maybe, even the Rrazz Room. I’m sure they would love to have him there.

Davis Gaines (of Phantom Fame) sang a wonderful “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – best I’ve ever heard. Bruce Vilanch broke cracked us with “Everything is Beautiful at the Ballet” – and he looked very fluffy and pink in his Ballet outfit. The fabulous star for all time — Carol Channing wrapped her love around the audience with “Before the Parade Passes By.” Melissa Manchester touched the audience a whole lot with the song “Help is on the Way!” Her and Carole Bayer Sager wrote the song. And with Dream Girls opening soon – it was wonderful to hear a man version of “And I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going!” (Dreamgirls.) This is the most exciting, pulse raising version of the song EVER by Von Smith. You can catch him on You Tube – by searching Von Smith – The View. You’re gonna fall in love with it. There was so much talent on the stage – and I want to thank all of them for helping “Help Is On The Way”. Next up – will be the cast of Dreamgirls singing for REAF.

Five Fabulously Insane TV Specials Written by Bruce Vilanch – Feast Of Fun

The Star Wars Holiday Special – Best of Clips (1978)
Here are some of the best moments from this truly bizarre television spectacle.

The Paul Lynde Halloween Special – Ole Black Magic (1976)
Florence Henderson sings a disco version of Ole Black Magic, with back up dancers wearing backwards masks.

The Brady Bunch Variety Hour – Disco Medley (1977)
How many songs can they squeeze into a 5 minute medley? Where did Eve Plumb go?

Donny and Marie – Everybody Dance Opening Number and Sketch (1977)
I always thought Donny was so cute and handsome, but it unnnerved me how he always threatened his sister with bodily harm.

The Bette Midler Show – Lullaby of Broadway (1976)
The woman who discovered Bruce Vilanch.

Theater News
Sam Harris, Jenifer Lewis, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Bruce Vilanch to Perform at Golden Score Awards
By: Dan Bacalzo · Apr 15, 2010 · Los Angeles

Sam Harris
Sam Harris, Jenifer Lewis, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Bruce Vilanch will be among the performers at the annual Golden Score Awards, to be presented by the American Society of Music Arrangers & Composers (ASMAC) on Thursday, April 29 at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Universal City.

As previously announced, the awards will be hosted by Rob Reiner, and honor Tony Award winner Marc Shaiman. There will also be performances by composer Johnny Mandel and ASMAC’s president, bassist/arranger John Clayton.

The evening will begin with cocktails and silent auction, followed by dinner, awards and entertainment. Along with the honor for Shaiman, the organization will present Sammy Nestico with the Award for Lifetime Achievement in Arranging.

For further information, visit www.asmac.org.

The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation presents One Night Only COMEDY TONIGHT ! An Evening of Outrageous Comedy & Decadent Divas.

Wed., June 11, 2008, 8:00 pm Theatre 39 on Pier 39 – (Beach St. and The Embarcadero) – in SF 94133 (Complimentary Validated Parking at Pier 39 garage)

A benefit for The Richmond / Ermet AIDS Foundation (REAF)

THE COMICS

JUDY TENUTA American Comedy Awards “Best Female Comedian” / TV, film star BRUCE VILANCH Broadway (Hairspray) / TV (Hollywood Squares) star JOHNNY STEELE Winner San Francisco Comedy Competition MARILYN PITTMAN Lesbian comic and radio talk show host AUNDRE THE WONDERWOMAN Finalist SF Int’l. Comedy Competition

THE DIVAS

SHARON MCNIGHT Tony nominated (Starmites) cabaret star MAUREEN McVERRY Cabaret star / actress LEANNE BORGHESI Cabaret star, aka Anita Cocktail plus Cast Members from INSIGNFICANT OTHERS – Theatre 39′s resident show

Musical Director Scrumbly Koldewyn

Tickets and Information Call 415/ 273 -1620 Show only $35 Show + Dessert After Party with the cast at Hard Rock Café $50 Pre-Comedy show Option – Special pre-fixe dinner at Hard Rock Café $25 (a portion of the dinner ticket will benefit REAF)

Order tickets online at http //www.helpisontheway.org

The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation l 942 Divisadero St., #. 201, SF, CA 94115

lhelman@sbcglobal.net

Friends for Life 2: A Night of Comedy to Benefit LifeWorks Mentoring

Featuring a Sneak Preview of the here! Special of Jason Stuart: Making it to the Middle

Performing LIVE:
Wendy Liebman
Alec Mapa
Bruce Vilanch
and Suzanne Westenhoefer!

VIP Reception with Celebrity Special Guests at 7pm for VIP Ticket holders!

To buy tickets: Click Here

About LifeWorks:

LifeWorks offers one on one, peer, and group mentoring opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth ages 14-24. Our goal is to help GLBTQ youth to realize their goals and dreams with a safe space, positive and affirming role models, and workshops & activities that are fun and educational.

See you can become a mentor: Click Here

The Official “Naked Boys Singing” Site: Click Here

Pre-Order/Buy The DVD – Great Christmas Gift!:

Directed by
Robert Schrock
Troy Christian (co-director)

Writers
Stephen Bates
Marie Cain
Shelly Markham
David Pevsner
Robert Schrock
Rayme Sciaroni
Trance Thompson
Bruce Vilanch
Mark Winkler

Producers
Darryl Anderle … co-producer
Kermit Johns … executive producer
Ilo Orleans … co-producer
Jennifer Schaefer … line producer
Kirkland Tibbels … producer
G. Sterling Zinsmeyer … executive producer

Cast
Andrew Blake Ames … Jack’s Song
Jason Currie … Entertainer
Jaymes Hodges … Nothin’ but the Radio On
Joseph Keane … Perky Porn Star
Anthony Manough … Muscle Addiction
Joe Souza … Bliss of a Bris, Announcer
Kevin Alexander Stea … Naked Maid
Phong Truong … Window to the Soul
Salvatore Vassallo … Conductor
Vincent Zamora … Window to Window

Read A Review By Richard Knight, Jr at Windy Media Times: Click Here

Also check out Richard Knight, Jr’s Interview With Bruce Vilanch: Click Here

Also Check Out Richard Knight Jr’s Official Site: Knight At The Movies

Broadway World
Noll & Vilanch in ‘Big Fat Cat’ New Musical Reading Dec.7
by BWW News Desk

New York Theatre Barn will present a by-invitation-only stage reading of the new musical Big Fat Cat on Friday, December 7 at Ripley-Grier Studios.

Big Fat Cat, directed by Tim Bennett with music direction by Chris Fenwick, will feature the talents of Bruce Vilanch (Hairspray) and Christiane Noll (Jekyll & Hyde, Frankenstein). Additional casting will be announced shortly.

Big Fat Cat features music by Brian Feinstein (Mimi LeDuck) and a book and lyrics by Robin Moyer Chung.

“On her 37th birthday, Terry, a lonely but talented anklet maker desperately wishes on an anklet for a man to give her life meaning. Her wish comes true – well, sort of… Instead of the perfect man, she gets Big Fat Cat – a stray overweight feline with lousy manners, questionable values, and a potent fixation on catnip and cream. BFC takes a reluctant Terry on a journey of self-discovery through a colorful world that includes self-obsessed co-workers, an eligible bachelor, his nebbish best friend and the overrated concept of wishing. Big Fat Cat is for everyone who has wished upon that star and then regretted it for the rest of their lives,” explain press notes.

Ripley-Grier Studios are located at 520 8th Avenue on the 16th floor. By invitation only.

For more information please visit: www.NYTheatreBarn.org

Variety Magazine
Two’s Company: A Tribute to Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
By JULIO MARTINEZ

(Alex Theater, Glendale; 1,320 seats; $50 top) Presented by the Los Angeles City College Theater Academy alumni and associates. Reviewed Nov. 5, 2007.

Performers: Zane Huett, Julie Reiber, Kirsten Benton Chandler, Rex Smith, Valerie Pettiford, Raymond Del Barrio; Emily Rozek, Matthew Ashford, Kevin Spirtas, Linda Purl, Alet Taylor, Andy Taylor, Patrick Cassidy, Chad Kimball, Christina Saffran Ashford, Alice Ripley, Kevin Earley, Marlana Filannino, Michelle Nicastro, Greg Jbara, Juliana Hansen, Jennifer Leigh Warren, Beth Malone, Bruce Vilanch, David Burnham, Kim Huber. Host: Cindy Williams.

A plethora of transcendent vocal artists gathered to celebrate the songs of award-winning tunesmiths Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz and to raise funds to support the venerable Los Angeles City College Theater Academy. Helmed with seamless fluidity by Academy alumnus Bruce Kimmel, the songfest was spurred on by the enthusiastic but economical hosting of another alumnus, thesp Cindy Williams.

Ably accompanied by an onstage six-member band led by music director Richard Berent, a sumptuous array of Broadway divas simply poured their virtuoso talents into solo showcases that emphasized soaring melodies and lyric inventiveness.

The thrush count included Julie Reiber (“The Wizard and I” from “Wicked”), Kirsten Benton Chandler (“Somewhere That’s Green” from “The Little Shop of Horrors”), Emily Rozek (“Lion Tamer” from “The Magic Show”), Linda Purl (“Blame It on the Summer Night” from “Rags”), Christina Saffran Ashford (title song from “Beauty and the Beast”), Alice Ripley (“West End Avenue” from “The Magic Show”), Michelle Nicastro (“Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid”), Jennifer Leigh Warren (“Stranger to the Rain” from “Children of Eden”), Beth Malone (“The Life I Never Led” from “Sister Act”) and Kim Huber (“Meadowlark” from “The Baker’s Wife”).

A hilariously perky Juliana Hansen showcased “A Happy Work Song,” from the upcoming Schwartz/Menken bigscreen collaboration, “Enchanted.”

Interspersed among the ladies was an equally impressive ensemble of baritones and tenors, including Rex Smith (“Corner of the Sky” from “Pippin”), Patrick Cassidy (“Shooting Star” from “Hercules”), Chad Kimball (“Lost in the Wilderness” from “Children of Eden”), Kevin Earley (“If I Can’t Love Her” from “Beauty and the Beast”), Kevin Spirtas (“Proud Lady” from “The Baker’s Wife”), Greg Jbara (Menken’s “Will the Sun Ever Shine”) and David Burnham (“Out There” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”).

Amidst the solo fare, welcome character interaction was provided by Valerie Pettiford and Raymond Del Barrio (Menken’s “Weird Romance”), Matthew Ashford and Spirtas (“All the Best” from “Godspell”), Alet and Andy Taylor (“Suddenly Seymour” from “Little Shop of Horrors”), and the show-closing duo of Reiber and Rozek (“For Good” from “Wicked”).

Comedic highlight of the evening was provided by scribe Bruce Vilanch, who proclaimed, “I used to be a writer … yesterday.” Vilanch offered his own light-footed song-and-dance version of “No Time at All” from “Pippin.”