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JULY 2006 FEATURED SHOW - JERSEY BOYS
JULY 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - THE JERSEY BOYS
AUGUST 2006 FEATURED SHOW - ONLY A LAD
AUGUST 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - JOEY CALVERI
SEPTEMBER 2006 FEATURED SHOW - WE WILL ROCK YOU
SEPTEMBER 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - JENNA LEE JAMES
OCTOBER 2006 FEATURED SHOW - THE WEDDING SINGER
OCTOBER 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - KEVIN CAHOON
JULY 2006 FEATURED SHOW - JERSEY BOYS
photo credited to www.broadwayworld.com
Our first pick as Featured Show is a bit of a no-brainer.....as the name of our site is 'Tony Lovers' how could we go with anything other than the 2006 Tony winner for Best Musical - JERSEY BOYS!
photo credit: Joan Marcus, used with permission of Boneau Bryan-Brows, press rep for Jersey Boys
The following text is excerpted from www.jerseyboysbroadway.com
Broadways biggest success story takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - and, as the New York Times says, "the crowd goes wild!" Follow the rags-to-rock-to-riches tale of four blue collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. Featuring such hits as 'Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Oh, What A Night" and more.
JERSEY BOYS is directed by Des McAnuff, with book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe.
Check out our Jersey Boys videos:
http://www.tonylovers.com/videos.htm
Rave Reviews:
"There's no point in beating around the bush - I fell for this show in a big way!" Howard Kissel, Daily News
"It's terrific! The cast is plain wonderful. The book is as tight and exciting as an Arthur Miller play. JERSEY BOYS a show dynamically alive in music while, as a drama, it captures the very texture, almost the actual smell, of its time." Clive Barnes, New York Post
"Love classic rock 'n' roll? Enjoy juicy behind-the-music true stories? Then without a doubt, JERSEY BOYS is a hot new Broadway show for you. A fast-moving script electrified by most of the group's greatest hits. Energetically weaving story, songs, visuals and exciting performances, director Des McAnuff stages a compelling rush of events that pauses only occasionally to savor the beauty of the songs." Michael Sommers, The Star-Ledger
"Fast-moving, musically exuberant and very funny. When the songs are presented, they mean something on their own as creations of four men whom we've come to know. The group's performance, finally, of its first hit, 'Sherry,' is a euphoric moment of triumph, and there's an energy that surges through the theater." Robert Feldberg, The Record
"Shrewdly penned by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, JERSEY BOYS makes behind-the-music tale dramatically compelling because its framed as a desperate collective quest to get out of a bluecollar, mobbed-up neighborhood that, ultimately, no one can ever leave. Des McAnuff injects so much tension and hyper-realism into the show that you don't ever want to look away. JERSEY BOYS makes every single hit number fill some kind of aching dramatic void." Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune
photo credit: Joan Marcus, used with permission of Boneau Bryan-Brows, press rep for Jersey Boys
CAST
Christian Hoff......................................Tommy DeVito
Daniel Reichard....................................Bob Gaudio
J. Robert Spencer..................................Nick Massi
John Lloyd Young..................................Frankie Valli
Peter Gregus........................................Bob Crewe, and others
Mark Lotito..........................................Gyp DeCarlo, and others
Tituss Burgess......................................Hal Miller, and others
Heather Ferguson..................................Swing
Steve Gouveia.......................................Hal Majewski, and others
Donnie Kehr..........................................Norm Waxman, and others
John Leone...........................................Swing
Michael Longoria....................................Joey, and others
Jennifer Naimo......................................Mary Delgado, and others
Dominic Nolfi........................................Swing
Erica Piccininni......................................Lorraine, and others
Sara Schmidt........................................Francine, and others
Matthew Scott......................................Swing
The original Jersey Boys - Remaining original Four Seasons members Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio and Frankie Valli.
photo credited to www.broadwayworld.com
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Marshall Brickman.......................................Book
Rick Elice....................................................Book
Bob Gaudio................................................Music
Bob Crewe.................................................Lyrics
Des McAnuff..............................................Director
Sergio Trujillo............................................Choreographer
Ron Melrose..............................................Music Director, Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music
Klara Zieglerova........................................Set Design
Jess Goldstein...........................................Costume Design
Howell Binkley...........................................Lighting Design
Steve Canyon Kennedy..............................Sound Design
Michael Clark.............................................Projection Design
Charles LaPointe.......................................Wig/Hair Design
Steve Rankin.............................................Fight Director
Richard Hester..........................................Production Stage Manager
Steve Orich...............................................Orchestrations
John Miller................................................Music Director
Peter Fulbright/Tech Production Services...Technical Supervision
Tara Rubin Casting....................................East Coast Casting
Sharon Bialy/Sharon Thomas.....................West Coast Casting
Sandy Carlson...........................................Company Manager
Stephen Gabis...........................................Dialect Coach
Michelle Bosch...........................................Stage Manager
Michael T. Clarkston...................................Assistant Stage Manager
Dodger Theatricals....................................Producer
Joseph J. Grano........................................Producer
Kevin and Tamara Kinsella.........................Producer
The Pelican Group.....................................Producers
Latitude Link.............................................Associate Producer
Rick Steiner/Osher/Staton/Mayerson Group..Associate Producer
Lauren Mitchell..........................................Associate Producer
Rhoda Mayerson.......................................Associate Producer
La Jolla Playhouse.....................................Original Producer
Awards:
2006 Tony Awards
Best Musical
Best Peformance by an Actor in a Musical - John Lloyd Young
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical - Christian Hoff
Best Lighting Design of a Musical - Howell Binkley
2006 Drama Desk Awards
Outstanding Actor in a Musical - John Lloyd Young
Outstanding Sound Design - Steve Canyon Kennedy
2006 Outer Critics Circle 2005-06 Awards
Outstanding Broadway Musical
Outstanding Actor in a Musical - John Lloyd Young
Outstanding Lighting Design - Howell Binkley
2006 Drama League Awards
Distinguished Production of a Musical
Julie Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing - Des McAnuff
Cool Links:
http://www.jerseyboysbroadway.com/ The official website for Jersey Boys
http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Video.aspx?ci=532752&utm_source=HP&utm_medium=Tile-VideoHoff&utm_campaign=Jersey Very nice video of Christian Hoff giving a behind-the-scenes tour of the show
http://www.genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com/JB.html Site with numerous video clips of the show and guest appearances by the cast
photo credit: Joan Marcus, used with permission of Boneau Bryan-Brows, press rep for Jersey Boys
JULY 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - THE JERSEY BOYS
Ok....since we picked JERSEY BOYS as the featured show for July, we thought we would feature one of the leads from the show on the performers page. Trouble is, we couldn't decide on which one to highlight - do we go with John Lloyd Young because he won the 2006 Tony for Best Actor in a Musical?? But wait, Christian Hoff also won the 2006 Tony award - for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Ok, we thought...since they both won, we will highlight both of them. But...that didn't seem quite fair to Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer. These guys are just as integral to the show and very talented in their own right (even if they weren't recognized with individual Tonys). What a decision to make - we deliberated many hours and finally made a decision. So....without further ado....our pick for Featured Performer for July is:
THE JERSEY BOYS!!!
(ok...so technically thats 4 performers...but just go with it...)
Christian Hoff - 2006 Tony Award Winner - Best Featured Actor in a Musical
The following are credited to www.christianhoff.com
Christian Hoff began his stage and screen career at age eight. Performing became an instant passion and he began training as an actor, singer and dancer. When he was eleven, he followed his Dad and Brother into music and bought his first guitar. By age twelve he was a member of three professional actors unions: Actors Equity Association, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild. His first break on screen was dancing a pas de deux with Shirley Maclaine in her television special Every Little Movement, then on stage in the original Los Angeles company of Evita under the direction of Harold Prince. Christian balanced a family life in San Diego, California while maintaining his theatrical career in Hollywood, bridging the transitions from child actor to young adult and beyond with unique perspective. During these formidable years he utilized his diverse talent and experience to continue doing what he loved best with guest appearances and regular roles in television and film, commercials and regional stage productions. Notable career highlights over the decades include portraying Walt Disney in One Man’s Dream, providing the voice of Richie Rich in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series of the same name, hosting the cable series Eyes and Ears Inside Disney, playing Shelley Winters bad-boy step-son in her one and only sitcom Shelley, replacing David Arquette as Frank-n-Furter in the Los Angeles production of The Rocky Horror Show at the Tiffany Theater, touring as King Herod with Sebastian Bach in Jesus Christ Superstar, his Broadway debut in The Who’s Tommy (original cast album) with Michael Cerveris and his Broadway return, starring as Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys (original cast album). Christian has always been drawn to “real life” characters both on screen: as Walt Disney in One Man’s Dream, as Kevin Anderson in Just A Regular Kid, An AIDS Story with Florence Henderson and Ronny Cox, as James “Moog” in Honor Thy Mother with Sharon Gless, as Sid Stockdale in In Love and War with James Woods and onstage: as George M. Cohan in George M!, as Will Rogers in The Will Rogers Follies, and Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys. Christian has been a guitarist and singer in a number of bands, sung the national anthem at major sporting events and has performed on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman. Christian is father to the precious Eli and Erika Hoff and husband to actress Melissa Hoff. Their latest “Hoff” addition is due in November 2006.
Rave Reviews for Christian's Performance in JERSEY BOYS:
"Christian Hoff, whose hard-edged Tommy DeVito -- the street-smart obsessive who founded and then lost control of the group -- is what gives this show its authentic sense of the street. Hoff, who hasn't an effete bone in his body, is this show's ace.” Chicago Tribune
“Hoff plays Tommy with a gangsterlike brashness that is appealing. “ ABC News
“A slick Christian Hoff provides Tommy DeVito with all the right wiseguy attitude.” New York Post
What does Christian think about JERSEY BOYS?
"Because of the way we interact with the audience, it feels as if we are receiving not only an applause or an ovation for our performances, which I hope we're doing, but we also have the weight of three decades or more of these songs and people's investment in the songs. So it's a ride unlike any other." --Hoff on Jersey Boys to Broadway.com (11/05)
photo credited to www.broadwayworld.com
So...what do the other Jersey Boys think about Christian??
(excerpt from an interview by Kathy Henderson for www.broadway.com)
Bobby: Love. He's all love.
John: Integrity.
Daniel: Successful.
photo credited to www.christianhoff.com
Daniel Reichard
Photo credited to www.theatermania.com
The following is credited to www.myspace.com/danielreichard
Daniel Reichard, a Cleveland native, made his NYC stage debut in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (original cast). He then starred as artist Keith Haring in RADIANT BABY at the Public Theater (directed by George C. Wolfe). He then appeared in a dozen roles in THE THING ABOUT MEN (cast album). Currently he plays Bob Gaudio in the smash-hit JERSEY BOYS (cast album). In addition to his stage work as an actor, Daniel also is a concert performer. His new website is being built right now. www.danielreichard.com. It will be available soon.
Rave Reviews for Daniel's Performance in JERSEY BOYS:
“Refreshingly relaxed, unpushy perfs from Young, Hoff, Reichard and Spencer create distinct characters and lend weight to these succinct codas.” Variety
"The leads could not be better: Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer are terrific.” Bloomberg.com
What does Daniel think about JERSEY BOYS?
The following is credited to www.theatermania.com
Reichard hopes that people won't dismiss Jersey Boys as a so-called jukebox musical without seeing it. "One thing I've learned is that you've got to judge a theater piece on what it is," he says. "If you've seen a bunch of jukebox musicals and you hated them, I can understand why you'd have an attitude against them. But this show really isn't a jukebox musical; it's more of a play with music. Almost all of the songs are done as performance numbers. There's no character named Sherry! The story of The Four Seasons is told in a very emotional, very intelligent way."
photo credited to www.broadway.com
So....what do the other Jersey Boys think about Daniel??
(excerpt from an interview by Kathy Henderson for www.broadway.com)
Bobby: Genius. [Laughs.]
John: Affable.
Daniel: Are you calling me laughable?
[Laughs.]
Christian: I would say that Daniel is big-hearted.
photo credited to www.myspace.com/danielreichard
J. Robert Spencer
The following is used with permission from J. Robert Spencer/ www.bobbyspencer.com
Before Bobby Spencer moved to York in 1985, he had lived in Delaware, New Jersey, Minnesota, Texas, and Oklahoma. The then 15-year old had become a veteran at making friends fast by making them laugh. "The more I goofed off, the harder people laughed," Spencer said. "No matter what town I moved to, I knew I could fall back on acting. It was a quick way for people to notice you and get to know you." On November 6th 2005, the 1987 Central York High School graduate introduced himself to Broadway as one of the lead actors in "Jersey Boys," a musical production about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Spencer plays Nick Massi, the Four Season's bass vocalist who left the band in 1965. Spencer calls this role, this play and this hectic Broadway lifestyle the peak of his career -- a career that has more miles on it than the cross-country footprints his family left before they moved to York. Spencer's passion for the performing arts wasn't inspired by Broadway legends such as Nathan Lane or Neil Simon. Rather, it was the epic drum soloing of progressive rock band Rush. "'Tom Sawyer' came on the radio and when that drum solo hit, I was like, 'Wow,'" Spencer said. "The song was being played the whole day, and I said, 'Mom I wanna play drums.' I guarantee you I wouldn't be on the path I'm on today if it wasn't for my parents [buying me a drum kit]." At Central High, Spencer acted in several productions and participated in band and chorus. Mark Zortman, director of the performing arts department at Central York School District, said Spencer's singing, acting and charisma made him a well-rounded performer. "Talent wise, he was impressive," Zortman said. At Shenandoah Conservatory, a music-focused branch of Shenandoah University in Virginia, Spencer said his band had a decent shot at being signed, but the band fizzled with the expected pressures of going national. "Long story short, we had huge interest, but some guys got cold feet," Spencer said, citing his band's breakup as the moment he decided to take the reins to his future. "I can't live the rest of my life having other people make decisions for me." In late 1993, he cut his hair, shaved his beard, and began singing and dancing for cruise ships to save money for his Broadway aspirations. A year later, he was in New York, auditioning for every play he could when not waiting tables. He waited in the cold outside studio doors and gave resumes and photos to everyone in the theater business to get his name out. After three months of rejections, Spencer landed the role of Rum Tum Tugger in an off-Broadway production of "Cats." The gig spent a year and a half on the road, and when he returned to New York, he got his first Broadway part in "Side Show," a short-lived 1997 musical about Siamese twins' shot at stage fame. In the next eight years, Spencer didn't have a place to call home. He spent time in L.A. writing and producing independent short and feature movies, wrote and recorded music, and acted in touring musicals such as "Tommy," "Finian's Rainbow" and "Heartland." In early 2005, Spencer heard of "Jersey Boys" through his agent. He auditioned for the role of Tommy DeVito but landed the role of Massi. The musical's producers test drove the production for three months at the La Jolla Playhouse, a 500-seat theater a few miles north of San Diego. Its success brought it back to New York, where it debuted at the August Wilson Theater. "It's been a ride of patience and persistence. Every time I got a gig, it was because of persistence, persistence, persistence," Spencer said. "I always knew in all the years of struggling, there is no way that God would dangle a carrot in front of my face my entire life."
Photo provided by J. Robert Spencer
Rave Reviews for J. Robert in JERSEY BOYS:
"J. Robert Spencer is a STAR! If not officially right now, then SOON!"
-NYTheater.com
"As Nick Massi, J. Robert Spencer has a direct, honest presence. Relatively passive all along, he unleashes raw, riveting fury in the show's strongest confrontation. Spencer also realistically represents thousands of rock 'n' roll casualties who don't find satisfaction in drugs, women and international popularity."
-Variety
"Nick Massi is played coolly by J. Robert Spencer. A handsome actor with a fine vocal instrument."
-United Press International
photo credited to www.broadway.com
What does J. Robert think about JERSEY BOYS?
"This show's electric, and it connects with people in such a passionate way that they just want to leap to their feet every five seconds. Seriously. It's fulfilling as hell, I tell ya." --Spencer to Broadway.com at the opening of Jersey Boys (11/05)
photo credited to www.broadwayworld.com
So...what do the other Jersey Boys think of J. Robert??
(excerpt from an interview by Kathy Henderson for www.broadway.com)
John: Vulnerable.
Christian: Bobby is... [Long pause.] Underestimated. Actually, passionate is better. Underestimated is a by-product of circumstances. Passionate is your word.
Daniel: Yeah, passionate. I'd say….[Long pause.]
Bobby: Why do you guys have to think about this?
Christian: Because you're complicated.
Daniel: I'd say intense. [Murmurs of agreement.]
John: You know what's interesting about searching to say something about him? That's exactly what Bob and Frankie say about the real Massi. They couldn't find an easy way to describe him.
photo used with permission from www.bobbyspencer.com
John Lloyd Young - 2006 Tony Award Winner - Best Actor in a Musical
The following is credited to www.johnlloydyoung.com
JOHN LLOYD YOUNG stars as Frankie Valli in Broadway's JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, at the August Wilson Theatre, directed by two-time Tony winner, Des McAnuff. For his work in JERSEY BOYS, John Lloyd has won the 2006 Tony Award (Best Performance by a Leading Actor), the 2006 Drama Desk Award (Outstanding Lead Actor), the 2006 Outer Critics Circle Award (Outstanding Lead Actor), a 2006 Theatre World Award, and was nominated for the 2006 Drama League Award (Performer of the Year). Before JERSEY BOYS, John Lloyd completed the New York-area premiere of Michael Healey's THE DRAWER BOY, with Steppenwolf's John Mahoney (TV's Frasier), at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Regional appearances: McCarter Theatre; Kennedy Center; named one of 2004's Best Featured Actors in a Play by the NJ Star-Ledger for "Danny Saunders" in Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok's dramatic adaptation of THE CHOSEN, opposite Theodore Bikel, at Miami's Coconut Grove Playhouse and Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse, directed by David Ellenstein. Plays Off and Off-Off Broadway: "Charlie" in Julia Jordan's THE SUMMER OF THE SWANS for director Joe Calarco (Lucille Lortel Theatre), "Moritz" in the Douglas Langworthy translation of Wedekind’s SPRING AWAKENING; nail-biting number theorist "Claudio" in Rinne Groff’s THE FIVE HYSTERICAL GIRLS THEOREM, directed by David Herskovits, for Obie-winning Target Margin Theatre; as well as appearances throughout New York at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks, Jose Quintero, Irish Rep and Cherry Lane Theatres. In development: "C", opposite Chazz Palminteri, in Broadway-bound A BRONX TALE, directed by Michael Greif. Festival Films: THE BELLIGERENTS, THE ROMAN SOLDIER. Television: computer tech "Cooper" on NBC’s LAW & ORDER. Member: William Inge Festival National Advisory Board. Graduate: Brown University.
photo credit: Joan Marcus
Rave Reviews for John Lloyd's Performance in JERSEY BOYS:
"As Frankie, whether warbling in the upper register or downcast but ever-hopeful,
JOHN LLOYD YOUNG is nothing short of sublime." John Simon, Bloomberg.com
"In a memorable Broadway debut, not only does JOHN LLOYD YOUNG echo Frankie Valli's vocals,
falsetto and all, but he believably traces the man's personal journey from an uncertain teenager
to a sadder but wiser adult." The Star-Ledger
"Top-drawer performers...in the hitherto unknown JOHN LLOYD YOUNG, (director Des) McAnuff found
a Valli with a comparably extensive vocal range and oodles of vulnerable charm.
That's one Tony nomination right there." The Chicago Tribune
photo credited to www.broadway.com
What does John Lloyd think about JERSEY BOYS?
"I haven't been a musical theater actor professionally until now, which doesn't mean I haven't been a singer my whole life because I have. The projects that have found me have tended to be plays, and I think that's just because I put the role first and not necessarily the show. I think that of musicals—especially the big, splashy ones—require an actor that's also part cheerleader too, and that's really tough to do if it's not something that really grabs you and your heart's not in it." -- to Broadway.com about his role in Jersey Boys (10/05)
photo credited to www.broadwayworld.com
So...what do the other Jersey Boys think of John Lloyd??
(excerpt from an interview by Kathy Henderson for www.broadway.com)
Daniel: Focused.
Christian: Driven. Driven is another by-product of circumstances.
John: That sounds kind of Alpha.
Bobby: I was going to say focused. The everyday John is easygoing. The stage John? Focused.
photo credit: Peter Hurley
AUGUST 2006 FEATURED SHOW - ONLY A LAD
We decided to mix things up a bit and feature an Off-Broadway show this month....well...actually....Off-Off Broadway! 
The following information is credited to www.onlyaladthemusical.com
Permission for photos used obtained from Joey Calveri
The Linx Gang in "Only a Lad" the Oingo Boingo musical
Only A Lad is premiering at the 10th Annual New York International Fringe Festival August 11-27!
Location, dates and times are as follows:
Harry De Jur Playhouse at the Henry Street Settlement
466 Grand St. at Pitt St.
Aug. 12 @ 2:45 PM
Aug. 13 @ 9:00 PM
Aug. 20 @ 3:30 PM
Aug. 23 @ 9:15 PM
Aug. 24 @ 9:30 PM
NO SMOKING "Only a Lad" the Oingo Boingo musical
Synopsis
Only a Lad is a rock musical set in 1984 America. Johnny is a punk teenager spending his time on the streets with his wild gang of misfits: Ray, Frank and D Minus, the Lynx gang. Adults don't understand them and the Jocks hate them. They are the anti-hip, and deep down, they know it makes them cool.
Ray, Johnny's best friend, is the instigator and the catalyst for much of the Lynx gang's hell-raising. Frank is the girl with only guy friends. She is the lioness of the Lynx gang: sister, mother, and scrappy fighter too. D Minus is the runt of the group, but secretly he knows he is the coolest.
Johnny revels in his renegade persona, acting out his role of urban anarchist and warrior. That is until he is reunited with Mary, former friend and unrequited love. But she has recently made it into the popular crowd and is trying to hold onto her tenuous position. In the split second Mary and Johnny reconnect, Johnny fears she sees only the rebel, the outcast, not the person he once was and somehow lost.
At the insistence of his friends, Johnny and his gang head to the local Dance and Bowl to find Mary and help Johnny make a move. At the teen hangout, neck deep in perms and polo shirts, Johnny discovers that Mary is dating the Trans Am-driving Brett Hartley, high school quarterback, leader of the Jocks and the personification of everything Johnny and his friends despise.
A fight breaks out over Mary, and Johnny and his friends are kicked out of the club. In a moment of drunken boasting, Johnny and Ray talk about stealing Brett's car as payback. The next morning Ray tells Johnny that not only did Johnny steal the car, but he ran over and killed the principal. In the haze of a hangover, Johnny can't remember a thing.
Soon they are arrested and Ray rats out Johnny. Enter public defender Sam Riley, who conjures up a defense of innocent by reason of mental defect. Basically, Johnny's not guilty because society made him do it. The defense is a hit in the courtroom as reporters, the jury and even the judge proclaim that no matter what he might have done, Johnny's "only a lad." But Mary is not having any of it, and she calls Johnny on his hypocrisy. Johnny wants to take the easy route out of jail. But to win Mary, he must face the murder charge head on, take responsibility for his past mistakes and prove that they don't make him a killer.
The Cast
Joey Calveri................Ray
Victoria Dicci..............Mary
Tessa Fay...................Linda
John Halback..............Ensemble
Barrett Hall................Johnny
Todd Lawson..............Riley
Thom Miller................Brett
Rachel Eve Moses.......Ensemble
Jennifer Hallie Rosen..Ensemble
Jon Rosen.................Wolf, Judge, Principal Kellerman
Alan Shaw.................Ensemble
Eric Shelley...............D Minus
Matthew Skrincosky...Ensemble
Jenny Weaver............Frank
Stephen Wilde...........Max, District Attorney
Waiting outside the courtroom. "Only a Lad" the Oingo Boingo musical
The Creative Team
Andrew Loschert.....Book Writer
Rob Seitelman........Director
Mary Ann Ivan.......Musical Director
Jason Summers.....Choreographer
Sarah Levine.........Costume Designer
Marnie Comings.....Lighting Designer
Jennifer Westin.....Producer
Reviews
From Newsday.com
BY ROBERT KAHN
Newsday Staff Writer
July 30, 2006
Best Bets
"Only a Lad" is billed as a "jukebox musical comedy" based on the songs of Danny Elfman, the Oingo Boingo vocalist who has created movie themes for "Batman," "Mission: Impossible" and "Men in Black."
Cool Links
http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=11249
http://www.myspace.com/onlyaladthemusical
A New Wave Tribute to Queen.... "Only a Lad"
AUGUST 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - JOEY CALVERI
Joey Calveri is currently appearing in Only A Lad at the 10th Annual New York International Fringe Festival
all information used with permission of Joey Calveri
My older brother was my legal guardian for a while growing up and he was a performer/choreographer. We spent many hours in front of a mirror singing and dancing and goofing off. It was all downhill from there.
2) What was your favorite role so far?
Galileo Figaro- We Will Rock You
3) What is your dream role...something you have always wanted to play?
Burger- Hair
4) Who is your favorite actor and actress in the Broadway genre?
Actress-Natasha Diaz, Actor- Doug Crawford
5) What would you be doing if you weren't in this business?
a writer
6) What is on your ipod?
Electronic Chill, Indy Rock bands, 80's New Wave, Jazz and beatnik poetry, Ultra Lounge (Sinatra,Torme,Dean Martin, etc) And a variety of rock legends.
7) What is your favorite show on Broadway right now?
I like edgy stuff and there is nothing very edgy right now. So, I would have to say, "Threepenny Opera."
8) What was the worse job you have ever held?
Graveyard shift at BP Gas station
9) What is your favorite food?
I could never ever pick a favorite food. I just like food.
10) What was your most embarrassing moment on stage??
I feel pretty desensitized from embarrassing moments. Pants splitting, forgetting lines, people missing cues becomes part of the biz and our adrenalin takes over and we act off impulses so I hardly remember that they even happened. But it is always embarrassing when corporate producers try to make artistic decisions on a show.
11) Any advice you want to give someone trying to break into this business?
Live for the deep, raw, and imaginative artistry of a show. Regardless to how bad it may be ... and dont let yourself get lazy, greedy, and bitchy. Stay young minded, stay with the craft, stay raw. The paycheck will follow and be grateful for every one.
12) Ok and final question: Whats your favorite broadway related website???
SEPTEMBER 2006 FEATURED SHOW - WE WILL ROCK YOU
Completing the rounds, we are moving on to London's West End this month and the show based on the music of Queen....We Will Rock You...now in its 4th year at the Dominion Theatre
The following are credited to www.queenonline.com/wewillrockyou
The time is the future, in a place that was once called Earth. Globalisation is complete!
Everywhere, the kids watch the same movies, wear the same fashions and think the same thoughts.
It's a safe, happy, Ga Ga world. Unless you're a rebel. Unless you want to Rock. On Planet Mall all musical instruments are banned. The Company Computers generate the tunes and everybody downloads them. It is an age of Boy Bands and of Girl Bands. Of Boy and Girl Bands. Of Girl Bands with a couple of boys in them that look like girls anyway. Nothing is left to chance, hits are scheduled years in advance.
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
But Resistance is growing. Underneath the gleaming cities, down in the lower depths live the Bohemians. Rebels who believe that there was once a Golden Age when the kids formed their own bands and wrote their own songs. They call that time, The Rhapsody.
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see
Legend persists that somewhere on Planet Mall instruments still exist. Somewhere, the mighty axe of a great and hairy guitar god lies buried deep in rock. The Bohemians need a hero to find this axe and draw it from stone.
Is the one who calls himself Galileo that man?
He’s just a poor boy. From a poor family
But the Ga Ga Cops are also looking for Galileo and if they get him first they will surely drag him before the Killer Queen and consign him to oblivion across the Seven Seas of Rye.
Who is Galileo? Where is the Hairy One's lost axe?
Where is the place of living rock?
Anywhere the wind blows
CAST
Jeff Shankley...........Pop
Jenna Lee James......Scaramouche
Peter Johansson......Galileo
Mazz Murray............Killer Queen
Alex Bourne.............Khashoggi
Colin Charles............Britney
Rachael Wooding......Meat
Craig Ryder..............Big Macca
Paula Clark...............Teacher/Ensemble
Male Ensemble Female Ensemble
Alex McNamara Deone Zanotto
Ricardo Afonso Rebecca Trehearne
Wyn Moss Gemma O'Duffy
Cameron Jack Gemma Andrews
Emrhys Cooper Lisa Joanne Cook
Joe Ryan Clare Gladwin
Scott Monello Adele Young
Fabian Aloise Tamara Wall
Scott Spreadbury Alicia Peacock
Richard Jones
Male Swings Female Swings
Paul Shipp Sally Chadwick
Luke Alleva Alison Dormer
Alex Forster (Dance Captain) Lucinda Gill
Gary Murphy Giorgia Barberi
THE BAND
Mike Dixon............Musical Director/Piano
Andy Smith...........Associate Musical Director/Keyboards
Spike Edney..........Keyboards
Jeff Leach.............Keyboards/Synthesizer Programming
Laurie Wisefield.....Guitar
Alan Darby...........Guitar
Neil Murray..........Bass Guitar
Tony Bourke.........Drums
Julian Poole..........Percussion
CREATIVE TEAM
Queen..........................Inspiration
Ben Elton......................Author
Brian May.....................Music Supervisor
Roger Taylor.................Music Supervisor
Mike Dixon....................Music Supervisor
Bobby Aitken.................Sound Designer
Tim Goodchild................Costume Designer
Mark Fisher...................Production Designer
Willie Williams...............Production Designer
Christopher Renshaw......Director
Arlene Phillips...............Choreographer
REVIEWS FOR WE WILL ROCK YOU
DARREN DALGLISH says, "A super high energy show with a wacky story that all Queen fans will love."
LONDONTOWN.COM says, "Eagerly awaited, and much hyped, We Will Rock You is the latest addition to the musical line-up in the West End. The Queen musical, with storyline by British comic writer Ben Elton, had them dancing in the aisles and begging for more when it previewed recently. And anyone who knows the music of the rock legend that is Queen, will be rushing to snap up a ticket to this theatrical extravaganza."
JACKIE JOU of Londonnet.co.uk says, "the finale is worth the wait. The audience joyously sings along with the cast, the latter whom perform Bohemian Rhapsody with the greatest relish seen all night."
JOHN MARTLAND of The Stage says, "Bobby Aitken's sound design is spot on, as is Willie Williams lighting, while Mark Fisher's spectacular production design has video screens offering a permanently bewildering display of ever-changing images. And at one point a clapped-out old van is lifted high into the flies as a section of Tottenham Court Road tube station emerges from the bowels of the stage. All that, coupled with a fine cast and a unique collection of memorable songs, means that in time this show could well achieve cult status."
COOL LINKS
www.queenonline.com/wewillrockyou
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=we+will+rock+you+londonSEPTEMBER 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - JENNA LEE JAMES
The following is used with permission from Jenna Lee James, visit her at www.jennaleejames.com
Jenna Lee James is currently rocking audiences at The Dominion Theatre, London's West End, playing the lead role of Scaramouche in the hit musical We Will Rock You. Jenna has also played the parts of Madonna and Meat in the show.
Jenna grew up in Glasgow, starting her career at the age of 10 in a pantomime at the Kings theatre. Staying at the Kings Theatre, she then played July in Annie, Massie in The Boyfriend and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
Her professional career began with a tour of Bobby Davro's 'Rock with Laughter' and she has not looked back. Her theatre credits include- Tiger Lily in Peter Pan at The Theatre Royal, Newcastle with Leslie Grantham and Joe Pasquale, Lorraine in the UK tour of Boogie Nights with Shane Ritchie, Money Money Money- the real Abba story tour, as the principle singer and Peter Pan at the Grand Theatre Swansea.
Television credits include- Parkinson (BBC), Party at the Palace, Party in the Park and Children in Need. Jenna is also the voice of many kids club characters for TED UK, a leading holiday entertainment provider.
What Jenna has to say about her big break in We Will Rock You!
credited to Brian Beacom and the Evening Times
Jenna said: "I can't quite believe it's happened....You always hope you will do a good job when you get the chance to fill in, and now I'm signed to appear in the top role from April....It's a dream come true because I've never wanted to be anything apart from a performer."
After passing her Highers she wasn't put off when careers teachers laughed off her dream of becoming a stage star.
"I figured what I had to do was work harder and learn more - so I did. Rather than go to stage school I re-trained my voice, worked the cruise ships, then landed a London agent who got me the West End understudy work...That led to working on Les Miserables - and now here I am in the hottest show in town."
Jenna now rubs shoulders with Queen guitarist Brian May and writer Ben Elton. Jenna said: "Brian is really encouraging and Ben has also been supportive. Since my part is a Scottish girl, I've pointed out to Ben a few inaccuracies in dialect and suggested changes."
"I really believe if you work hard in life then you can make your dreams come true," she said.
Cool Links:
http://www.queenonline.com/wewillrockyou/
OCTOBER 2006 FEATURED SHOW - THE WEDDING SINGER
We've made the rounds and are back to Broadway this month with The Wedding Singer currently playing at the Al Hirschfield Theatre.
The following are credited to www.theweddingsingerthemusical.com
It's 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party - until his own fiancee leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own.
Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. Only trouble is Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull of the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. With a brand new score that pays loving homage to the pop songs of the 1980's, The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, collars were up, and a wedding singer just might be the coolest guy in the room.
Cast
Stephen Lynch.................Robbie Hart
Laura Benanti..................Julia Sullivan
Rita Gardner...................Rosie
Richard H. Blake..............Glen Guglia
Kevin Cahoon................. George
Felicia Finley...................Linda
Matthew Saldivar.............Sammy
Amy Spanger..................Holly
Tina Maddigan.................Standby for Julia Sullivan
Adinah Alexander.............Ensemble/Angie
Matt Allen.......................Ensemble
Tracee Beazer.................Ensemble/Imposter
Cara Cooper...................Ensemble/u/s Holly
Ashley Amber Haase.........Ensemble
Nicolette Hart..................Ensemble/u/s Linda
Angelique Ilo...................Dance Captain/Swing
David Josefberg...............Ensemble/David
Peter Kapetan.................Ensemble/Imposter
Kevin Kern.....................Swing/u/s George/Glen
Spencer Liff....................Ensemble
Joanne Manning..............Swing
J. Elaine Marcos..............Ensemble/Imposter
Michael McGurk..............Swing
T. Oliver Reid................Ensemble/Imposter
Christina Sivrich.............Ensemble/u/s Rosie/Imposter
Matthew Stocke.............Ensemble/u/s Robbie/Sammy/Imposter
Eric Lajuan Summers......Ensemble
Creative Team
Matthew Sklar.........................Music
Chad Beguelin.........................Book/Lyrics
Tim Herlihy.............................Book
John Rando.............................Director
Rob Ashford.............................Choreographer
Scott Pask...............................Scenic Design
Gregory Gale...........................Costume Design
Brian MacDevitt........................Lighting Design
Peter Hylenski..........................Sound Design
Bernard Telsey Casting, C.S.A.....Casting
David Brian Brown....................Wig/Hair Design
Joe Dulude II..........................Makeup Design
Irwin Fisch..............................Orchestrations/Electronic
Musical Instrument
Programming
David Chase...........................Incidental & Dance Music
Arranger
James Sampliner.....................Music Director/Conductor
John Miller.............................Music Coordinator
Joann M. Hunter.....................Associate Choreographer
Jen Bender............................Assistant Director
Juniper Street Productions........Technical Supervision
Richard Kornberg & Associates...Press Representative
Rolt Smith.............................Production Stage Manager
The Charlotte Wilcox Company...General Manager
Honors
Drama League Nominations:
Distinguished Production of a Musical
Distinguished Performance Award for Felicia Finley and Stephen Lynch
Eight Drama Desk Nomintions including:
Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Actor in a Musical - Stephen Lynch
Outstanding Choreographer - Rob Ashford
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical - Amy Spanger
Outstanding Music - Matthew Sklar
Outstanding Lyrics - Chad Beguelin
Outstanding Set Design of a Musical - Scott Pask
Outstanding Costume Design - Gregory Gale
Tony Award Nominations:
Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical - Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) written for the Theatre Music - Matthew Sklar
Best Lyrics - Chad Beguelin
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical - Stephen Lynch
Best Choreography - Rob Ashford
Rave Reviews:
"This fizzy confection is an instant crowd-pleaser!" David Rooney - Variety
"How can we resist a musical as endearing as this?" Howard Shapiro - The Philadelphia Inquirer
"If you love the '80's, you'll adore this show!" David Cote - Time Out New York
OCTOBER 2006 FEATURED PERFORMER - KEVIN CAHOON
The following is used with permission from Kevin Cahoon/Anchor C Records
Kevin is currently starring in The Wedding Singer, as 'George,' the scene-stealing Boy George-obsessed bandmate of Robbie Hart, New Jersey's favorite wedding singer and the show's title character.
Born and raised just outside of Houston, Kevin Cahoon first performed on the local rodeo circuit, as a rodeo clown. He wasted no time reaching the zenith of pop culture stardom for teenagers in the 80s - an appearance on "Star Search." He took the Junior Grand Championship in 1985 with a show tune (though he won't tell which song he sang).
Kevin's pistol power performances and raw theatrics on the rock n' roll stage stem from his successful career on Broadway. After graduating from New York University, Kevin was cast as a gang member in The Who's Tommy on Broadway, then originated the role of "Ed the Hyena" in The Lion King. Other credits include The Rocky Horror Show, The Foreigner with Matthew Broderick (Lortel Nomination), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as the "Childcatcher" and the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch Off-Broadway and sit-downs in San Francisco, Boston and at the Edinburgh Festival. In fact, it was during Kevin's tour with Hedwig that he was inspired to realize his long-held ambition to front his own band. Kevin is currently starring in The Wedding Singer, as 'George,' the scene-stealing Boy George-obsessed bandmate of Robbie Hart, New Jersey's favorite wedding singer and the show's title character. The musical is based on the hit Adam Sandler movie.
(above picture credited to www.theweddingsingerthemusical.com)
Reviews of Kevin's performance in The Wedding Singer
"...the splendid Kevin Cahoon, who transcends his Boy George-like gay stereotype role as Robbie’s band pal George in an utterly winning performance." David Edward Hughes on www.talkinbroadway.com
"Matthew Sandivar and Kevin Cahoon are hilarious and lovable as Robbie's bandmates (Sammy and George, respectively)." Martin Denton on nytheatre.com
"To Cahoon's credit, he registers as an idiosyncratic comic presence..." David Rooney on www.variety.com
Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy
Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy deliver explosive rock infused with glitter on their debut record, DOLL. The album features 8 original gritty rock songs written and performed by Cahoon backed by guitar, drums, bass and keys. The band has quickly become one of the most buzzed about new arrivals on New York's downtown music scene. Through live shows at venues such as Irving Plaza, CBGB's, Don Hill's and Ars Nova, among others, the group has demonstrated its command of all sorts of stages - from downtown rock n' roll spots to some of the newest theater spaces in town. The pop, power and glam theatricality of their live events are captured for the first time on CD with this new studio recording.
DOLL is being released through Sh-K-Boom Records, a Sony/BMG distributed label, known to "bridge the gap between pop music and theater." With a sound unique to what one might expect from a Broadway actor, Kevin Cahoon is quickly building a fan base in the indie music world, due to his live shows and abundance of press. Kevin Cahoon and his band Ghetto Cowboy have been heralded by New York Times, Time Out New York, and The Advocate, among others.
Kevin Cahoon & Ghetto Cowboy and their CD have chalked up a number of kudos including four nominations at the 2006 OutMusic Awards, walking away with Outstanding Debut Recording - Male award. The Onion (NY) and Pabst Blue Ribbon selected KC&GB as band of the week in their "Live and Local" campaign and Mr. Cahoon received an honorable mention in Billboard Magazine's World Songwriting Contest. Music from the CD has been heard in some interesting outlets. "Fashionista" was featured on several runways during the last two Fashion Weeks in NYC, it has been overheard for two months in Urban Outfitter stores nationwide and is currently in the top 50 for Siruis Satellite Radio/OutQ's Mid-Year Music Survey alongside tunes from such artists as Elton John, Rufus Wainwright and Scissor Sisters, among others.
Video of "Doll"
Exclusive Q & A with Kevin!!
1. What made you decide to enter the entertainment business?
It wasn’t a decision, it more just happened. I started in the field when I was nine and my mom put me in a creative arts class at MOMA in Texas. I enjoyed it because it was a way to channel my energy and creativity. I then went on to doing t.v. commercials, and so on.
2. What song did you sing when you won Star Search?
For the finals I sang “Rum Tum Tugger” from Cats.
I would starve. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Iwould love to direct and produce in addition to what I’m doing now.
4. What is your dream role?
I can’t think of one. I would like to continue to play parts that allow people to have a voice that don’t always have a voice; interesting roles.
5. What is your favorite role that you have played to date?
It would be a toss up between Ellard in The Foreigner and Hedwig because that role changed my life.
6. What’s the worst survival job that you’ve held?
Working as an elf at Santa Land in Macys.
Everywhere. Living in NYC there’s a lot of inspiration. A lot of my inspiration comes from observation; observation of people and the world around me.
8. Who has influenced you musically?
There’s been so much influence, from country music to church music to theatre music, rock n roll, pop, it is a melting pot. I think my album sounds like all of that.
There are so many, I can’t even begin….I won’t ever be content.
Fun trivia for the fans
Favorite food?
Fried chicken
Favorite film?
Drama - The Trip to Bountiful
Comedy - Nine to Five
Favorite color?
Red
Favorite place to visit?
Texas
Favorite actor/actress?
Too hard of a question…Robert Duvall, Sally Field, Meryl Streep, Vanessa Redgrave
Favorite musician?
Also too hard of a question…to name a few, David Bowie, Lyle Lovett, K.D. Lang, Patti Labelle
And finally….what is your favorite Broadway-related website?
TonyLovers.com of course!
Thank you Kevin!!!
Cool Links
www.myspace.com/kevincahoonandghettocowboy
DECEMBER 2006 FEATURED SHOW - EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL
This hilarious live stage show takes all the bloody fun of the 80's horror films, Evil Dead 1 and Evil Dead 2, and combines them to create the craziest theatrical experience to ever hit New York. Blood will fly. Limbs will be lost. Demons will tell bad jokes. All of this, AND singing and dancing!
Our story begins as five college students arrive at an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that, one-by-one, turns them all into bloodthirsty demons. Suddenly surrounded, it's up to our hero, Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killer), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day.
The mayhem escalates in off-the-wall musical numbers like "All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons", "Bit part Demon" and "What the F*@k Was That" will have you rolling in the aisles and screaming for more - more blood that is!
Whether or not you're a fan of the Evil Dead movies you will love this show. Whether or not you're a fan of musicals you will love this show. Whether or not you're a fan of horror you will love this show. No matter who you are you will love this show!
