Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: November 24, 2019
By: Laura Deni
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A LIGHTHEARTED, IRREVERENTLY CHARMING APPROACH TO CHRISTMAS IN HEY GURL, IT'S CHRISTMASI

Not everyone gets into the jolly, holly Christmas spirit. For years there have been annual releases of Christmas inspired songs, productions and events which border on the profane.

Randy Rainbow's new CD Hey Gurl, It's Christmas! released by Broadway Records falls into the delightfully clever and funny category which is apt to make even the worst grinch look forward to the holiday season.

On his debut Christmas album, comedian, singer, and viral star Randy Rainbow puts his signature twist on holiday classics and premieres a brand-new Christmas song (the title track) with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Randy Rainbow and Shaiman. Backed by a swingin’ band and exciting new musical arrangements by Jesse Kissel, Randy is joined by special guests Alan Cumming, Kathy Griffin, Norm Lewis, Lorna Luft, and even the President of the United States... sort of.

Neither the selections nor the delivery insult any religion or holiday. Rather, it's refreshing, an inventive construction of a holiday gift package which is guaranteed to make you smile. The overture is bright and bubbly leading into the topical opening number. Including guests Alan Cumming, Kathy Griffin, Norm Lewis, Lorna Luft John Di Domenico is a smart move. Merry Christmas Darling/What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? is lovely. Trump's Favorite Things with sassy parody lyrics by Rainbow is smart and extremely clever. The Christmas movie medley is pleasant and refreshing, not schmaltz.

This CD has all the makings of becoming an annual favorite, although the number Trump's Favorite Things will forever date the recording. As effervescent as champagne, pick it up and enjoy. It would also make a nice early Christmas present - or non Christmas gift - for that matter.

Excellent musicians and arrangements along with perfect sound balancing.

Musicians:
Alex Bender - trumpet. Frank Cohen - trombone. Jesse Kissel - piano. Ethan Pakohar - guitar. Lloyd Kikoler - bass. Corey Bohbuteer - bass. Natalie Tenenbaum - piano. Justin Vance - piccolo, flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sex, baritone sax. Jeremy Yaddaw - drums.

Engineered and mixed by Dan Weiner. Mastered by A. J. Tissian. Recorded at Pencil Factory Recording. Mixed at Reservoir Studios. Mastered at Wave Lab Studios.

Track Listing: 1. Hey Gurl, It’s Christmas!
2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (featuring Kathy Griffin and Alan Cumming)
3. Merry Christmas Darling / What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? (featuring Norm Lewis)
4. Trump’s Favorite Things featuring John Di Domenico
Santa Claus is Coming to Town (featuring Lorna Luft)
6. The Christmas Movie Medley
Over the Rainbow - Somewhere in my Memory - White Christmas - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Christmas time is Here.
7. Make Someone Happy

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

DUTCH CULTURE USA

January 11-12, 2020 Dutch music theatre company Oorkaan will perform their award-winning toddler production Glimpse at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Photo:Oorkaan – Glimpse © Ronald Knapp

currently taking place emphasizes that theatre, books, dance, music and film, are important in integrating children into society.

"It stems from an overall attitude the Dutch take immense pride in, treating children as equals. In the Netherlands, kids are thought of as ‘small adults’ who are not to be protected or coddled. Children are given autonomy and expected to learn to assume responsibility at a young age. Rather than a clear hierarchy where children are guided or shielded, in the Netherlands, kids have to figure things out for themselves. They are expected to take action and be a part of the solution," states the official release.

Research conducted by the World Health Organization and Unicef shows that Dutch children are among the happiest in the world. What sets Dutch kids apart, is that they have a supportive environment at home, with friends and also at school. Dutch parents give a lot of support and have mild control. There is an egalitarian climate at school, teachers are not authoritarian but accept the feelings of pupils, and pupils trust teachers. This respect for young people and their views on the world is also reflected in the themes, genres and wealth of ideas found in Dutch arts for young audiences. Dutch youth arts are known for their artistry and high production value while often tackling challenging subjects, ranging from the commercial to the chaotic, the playful to provocative and poetic, the silly to the serious, and everything in between. In the Netherlands, filmmakers, writers and performers take children and their personal experiences seriously. Unafraid to take artistic risks, publicly-funded makers in particular like to go off the beaten path of typical children’s stories and address topical issues head-on.

At the same time, Dutch youth arts are characterized by their sense of humor, playfulness and light take on things, and are equally enjoyed by grown-ups.

“We don’t present Hollywood pictures that always end well.” – Anja Krans, Program Manager of Never Grow Up!

Dutch Culture USA is about opening up that perspective of the arts for kids. It takes risks, dealing head on with serious social issues. Dutch kids experience the world around them through engaging personal stories and themes relating to their own lives and their own perspectives.

Throughout 2020, Dutch film, literature, (music) theater and dance that caters to young audiences and families is presented at events and venues such as IPAY Showcase, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Kennedy Center, New York International Children’s Film Festival and Brooklyn Book Festival. Presenters and agencies are invited to attend screenings, readings and performances, meet directors, writers and performers, and engage with representatives of Dutch expert organizations to discuss opportunities for collaboration and exchange.

André Haspels, the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States is a strong proponent of the program currently touring across the US. Ambassador Haspels is based in Washington, DC He grew up in Uithoorn in the province of Noord-Holland. His father was a flower trader who imported flowers from all over the word, including ferns from Florida. Recently at the Ambassador's Residence he hosted arts institutions together with Dutch performing arts, film and literature representatives to reflect and look ahead on the Never Grow Up! focus on Dutch arts for young audiences.

Never Grow Up! presents an abundance of Dutch film, literature and performing arts for young audiences in the United States. A wide range of work from the Netherlands will be presented and shared at festivals, conferences and other platforms, all representing a respect for young people and dedication to youth culture as an autonomous art form. Never Grow Up! is a joint effort of Dutch Performing Arts, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York, Eye International, Netherlands Film Fund, Cinekid, Dutch Foundation for Literature, and DutchCulture. The program aims to stimulate the dissemination and visibility of Dutch youth arts as well as cultural exchange and partnerships with renowned US-based presenters and organizations.

THE WORLD'S FIRST VAGINA MUSEUM has opened in London.

Really.

The Vagina Museum is the world’s first bricks and mortar museum dedicated to vaginas, vulvas and the gynecological anatomy. Located in what once was a horse stable but now is part of London’s touristy Camden market, the 700-square-foot Vagina Museum climaxed thanks to comedian and biochemistry graduate Florence Schechter, who has earned a living presenting science-based documentaries, podcasts and comedy shows to the public

So far there is no royal patron.

Curated by Sarah Creed who has over 10 years’ experience working in a variety of museum and galleries, including the British Museum, Museum of London and Imperial War Museums, the exhibit Muff Busters: Vagina Myths and How To Fight Them opened on November 16, 2019 and draws attention to myths that surround gynecological anatomy, including cleanliness, appearance, pubic hair, periods, sex and contraception and the location of the clitoris.

The Vagina Museum is an answer to Penis Museums. According to their website: "There is a penis museum [Phallological Museum] in Iceland. Which is pretty cool. But there is no vagina equivalent anywhere in the world. We were pretty miffed (muffed?) when we learnt this but we thought, there's only one way to rectify this. Make one."

They did thanks to a crowd funding campaign which resulted in more than 1,000 people donating almost £50,000.

Their mission:
Spread knowledge and raise awareness of the gynecological anatomy and health
Give confidence to people to talk about issues surrounding the gynecological anatomy
Erase the stigma around the body and gynecological anatomy
Act as a forum for feminism, women’s rights, the LGBT+ community and the intersex community
Challenge hetero-normative and cisnormative behavior
Promote inter-sectional, feminist and trans-inclusive values.

A dramatic drop in the number of women undergoing pap tests was a motivator in opening the museum.

“The Vagina Museum is so important because this area of the body is so stigmatized and this has real world consequences like people being too embarrassed to get their cervical smear,” Schechter told the press. “Our top priority is to fight the taboo that surrounds our bodies and provide a place where we can have an open and honest conversation.”

The Museum also offers information about vagina health as well as an outreach program to support healthy sex and engage with medical professionals to provide better services for the trans and intersex communities.

The museum also has a shop which sells everything from vulva postcards and earrings to vagina museum cups. Not a laughing matter the Museum has been openly praised by influential people including Dr Alison Wright, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who said the museum is a “huge asset” in terms of progressing conversations surrounding women’s health.

Whether it falls into the category of too much information or need to know, the used underwear of both Schechter and Creed are on display to show "normal vaginal discharge."

Comedy aside several schools have inquired about tours.

Upcoming, a Christmas crafting workshop where you can make a clitoris star for your tree.

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SWEET CHARITY

PRINCE WILLIAM AND DUCHESS KATE

Prince William gushed that he loved Mary Poppins and is pictured greeting Charlie Stemp as Bert, Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins and - in the beige hat - Petula Clark CBE who plays Bird Lady. Photo: © Geoff Pugh/AFP/Gety Images

attended The Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium and also spoke with the cast of Mary Poppins including Petula Clark CBE who plays Bird Lady, Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins and Charlie Stemp as Bert.

The first Royal Variety Performance took place in 1912, attended by King George V and Queen Mary in aid of what was then known as the Variety Artistes' Benevolent Fund. The event has been an annual fixture since 1921, with a member of the Royal family attending each year. The Queen is Patron, and has attended 39 times during her reign. This is the third time the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended the annual event.

Kate wore a black lace Alexander McQueen evening gown to the variety show, while husband William opted for a traditional black tuxedo.

Upon arrival Prince William was presented with the 2019 program and his wife received a winter garden posy of flowers including foliage from Brinsworth House garden.

The performance was hosted by comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan and includes a special collaboration by Emeli Sandé and Manchester’s Bee Vocal choir. Other celebs taking part included Robby Williams and Mabel. Sir Rod Stewart was scheduled to take part but had to drop out hours before the show due to a throat infection.

The Royal Variety Charity owns and manages its own residential and nursing care home for elderly entertainers - Brinsworth House in Twickenham, which was visited by The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, in 2018.

The money raised from the show will help hundreds who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry, either behind-the-scenes or as performers. who need help as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times.

Afterwards the royal couple greeted dignitaries and performers, including some cast members of the new Mary Poppins musical at the Prince Edward Theatre, its original West End home.

The show marks the first time this new production has been seen in London. The cast had to scurry from the Royal Variety Performance event, since they also had their own show to perform.

In addition to Clark, Strallen and Stemp the cast includes: Joseph Millson (Mr Banks), Amy Griffiths (Winifred Banks), Claire Moore (Miss Andrew), Claire Machin (Mrs Brill), Jack North (Robertson Ay) and Barry James (Bank Chairman/Admiral Boom). The Banks children are played by Adelaide Barham, Imogen Bourn, Charlotte Breen, Ellie Kit Jones and Nuala Peberdy – alternating the role of Jane Banks – and Joseph Duffy, Samuel Newby, Gabriel Payne, Edward Walton and Fred Wilcox, alternating the role of Michael Banks.

Duchess Kate divulged that her two older children, George and Charlotte, had also wanted to attend, but she left them at home because it was a school night.

SPREADING THE WORD

CAROLYN MIGNINI currently starring in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo, alongside Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, keeps busy. Last May she completed filming the role of Gloria Toms in the movie What Is Life Worth starring Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci and Amy Ryan. Directed by Sara Colangelo, the biographical film follows an attorney in Washington D.C., who is battling against cynicism, bureaucracy and politics to help the victims of 9/11. Carolyn portrays Gloria Toms, who is Ken Feinberg's (Keaton) office assistant and confidant. The film will be making its debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Born in Baltimore on Valentine's Day, the home made Valentin was crowned Miss Teenage America at the age of 17. She spent the next year traveling promoting her title before attending the Boston Conservatory. Shortly after graduating, Carolyn made her Broadway debut in Fiddler On The Roof with Bette Midler and Adrienne Barbeau. In her free time she likes to unwind by painting and keeps her good looks with vitamin face masks.

Catch her in The Rose Tattoo before it closes at the American Airlines Theatre on Sunday, December 8, 2019. Directed by Trip Cullman, the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo is a classic drama centered around Serafina, a widowed Sicilian woman living in the American South who is left devastated by the death of her husband. Grief turns her into a recluse; however, she is drawn back into the world when she learns of her late husband's infidelities. Meanwhile, the arrival of a new lodger, handsome truck driver Alvaro, offers hope of a new love in her life. Carolyn brings to life Assunta, Serafina's only friend who helps guide and give Serafina advice.

THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE performances from the casts of Broadway shows Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations, Beetlejuice, Hadestown and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical.

The annual parade will also l feature Natasha Bedingfield, Black Eyed Peas, Chicago, Ciara, Josh Dela Cruz, Celine Dion, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Debbie Gibson, former NASA astronauts Kay Hire & Janet Kavandi, Chris Janson, Idina Menzel, Lea Michele, Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, NHL legends Dominic Moore and Eddie Olczyk, the cast and Muppets of of Sesame Street, NCT 127, Ozuna, Billy Porter, Kelly Rowland, That Girl Lay Lay, TLC, Tenille Townes and Chris Young, and of course Santa Claus and those leggy Radio City Rockettes and the famous Macy balloons. br>
THe 93rd annual parade will air November 28 on NBC’s Today Show with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.

LAURA DERN IN CONVERSATION: MARRIAGE STORY AND LITTLE WOMEN Join iconic actress Laura Dern for a wide-ranging conversation spanning her remarkable career—including clips from two of her newest projects, Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story and Greta Gerwig’s Little Women. Whether appearing in blockbusters like Jurassic Park, The Last Jedi and HBO’s Big Little Lies or contemporary auteur classics like Blue Velvet and The Master, Dern brings a unique and subtle power to every performance. Be there as she discusses how she approaches these eclectic roles, stories from behind the scenes of her recent films, and much more.

ELIZABETH ASHLEY AND PENNY FULLER will star in a reading of Wharton/Williams based on the short stories of Edith Wharton and Tennessee Williams. The event will take place Thursday, December 5 at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Studio at Playwrights Horizons in New York City.

Adapted by award-winning playwright/librettist Charles Leipart, Wharton/Williams will be directed by Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winner Michael Wilson.

Wharton/Williams is adapted from two memorable short stories, Roman Fever by Edith Wharton and Happy August the Tenth by Tennessee Williams. Each story offers a contrasting portrait of female friendship - the perils and the joys of a lifetime of familiarity.

Sunday, December 1, 2019 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

WORLD FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS on the eve of their 94th season of entertaining fans around the globe unveiled their rookie class for the 2020 Pushing the Limits World Tour - a class led by the first-ever Globetrotter players from China and Poland. Those players will join the Globetrotters for a tour which tips off December 26 and will travel to more than 250 markets throughout North America, as well 30-plus countries around the world.

Lucky Jiang, a 5-11 ballhandling guard from Beijing, China, is the first Chinese player ever to suit up as a Globetrotter. Dazzle Kidon, from Zubrzyca Dolna, Poland, was actually discovered by the team at one of their pre-game Magic Pass meet-and-greet events last spring during a tour stop in Poland. Lucky and Dazzle join an exclusive list of just over 20 players born outside the United States in the team’s 93-year history, including current star Orlando “El Gato” Melendez, a native of Puerto Rico.

The first-year players join a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Cheese Chisholm, Thunder Law, Hi-Lite Bruton, Bull Bullard, Hammer Harrison, Torch George and TNT Lister.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

REGIS PHILBIN'S CONNECTICUT MANSION IS FOR SALE at age 88, Regis Philbin has had one of the most successful and long careers. In 2004, he set a Guinness World Record for most on-camera hours of 15,188 for that year.

He has resided on the East Coast for decades close to the New York television studios, but has put his Connecticut home on the market so that he and wife, Joy, can move to California to be closer to their children. The mansion is priced at $4.595 million, 36% less than what he paid for it almost a decade ago.

Located in Greenwich, the estate sits on 2.59 acres in a lushly green neighborhood among other similar-sized homes. Measuring in at 13,661 square feet, there are six bedrooms and nine baths. Elegantly decorated, the English Manor-style home is both impressive for entertaining but also has the warmth of atmosphere and livability that makes it a fine family home for day-to-day living. Indoor features include the formal living and dining, a large eat-in kitchen, mahogany-paneled library, home theater, family room, sun room, billiards room, large gym, sauna, wine cellar and tasting room that includes a full bar. There are a total of seven fireplaces. Outside are expansive manicured lawns and mature trees, shrubs and gardens with swimming pool, spa and tennis courts. Terraces provide excellent space for entertaining or privately enjoying the sunshine. The gated drive ends at garages that can house five cars with plenty of additional open parking for guests. The listing agent is Joseph Barbieri of Sotheby’s International Realty, Greenwich Brokerage.

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

QUEEN ELIZABETH II AND PRINCE PHILIP THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH last Wednesday, November 20, 2019, celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. That milestone was marked privately, although Queen Elizabeth had a full work day (Prince Philip has retired from public service) including welcoming Mr. Reggy Martiales, Ambassador for the Republic of Suriname at Buckingham Palace. Mrs Haidy Nelson-Gravenberch, wife to the Ambassador, was also present.

Mr. Edil Baisalov, Ambassador from the Kyrgyz Republic was also received by The Queen.

In the evening Her Majesty attended an engagement at The Royal Institute of International Affairs to present the Chatham House Prize to Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. The Chatham House Prize is an honor awarded each year to an individual or group deemed to have made the most significant contribution to the improvement of international relations in the previous year.



SING STREET a new musical with a book by Tony Award winner Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Gary Clark and John Carney. Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney.

Directed by Tony Award winner Rebecca Taichman.

Choreography by Obie Award winner Sonya Tayeh.

Dublin, 1982. Everyone is out of work. Thousands are seeking bluer skies across the Irish Sea. Sixteen-year-old Conor and his schoolmates turn to music to escape troubles at home and impress a mysterious girl. With a score that embraces the new wave sounds of the era, Sing Street celebrates the thrill of first love and the power of music.

The cast for Sing Street will include Max William Bartos as Darren, Brendan C. Callahan as Gary, Billy Carter as Robert, Zara Devlin as Raphina, Gus Halper as Brendan, Jakeim Hart as Larry, Martin Moran as Brother Baxter, Anne L. Nathan as Sandra, Johnny Newcomb as Barry, Brenock O’Connor as Conor, Gian Perez as Kevin, Sam Poon as Eamon, Skyler Volpe as Anne, and Amy Warren as Penny. Ilan Eskenazi will understudy the role of Conor.

Previews of Sing Street begin at New York Theatre Workshop in New York City on November 25, 2019, with opening night set for December 16, 2019, for a run through January 26, 2020.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen.

Directed by Jess McLeod.

called "rousingly theatrical twist on one of the most popular novels of all time."

A feminist farce—a screwball twist on a beloved classic! While their mother is determined to find suitable marriages for her daughters, the Bennet sisters find themselves caught up in the politics of love set on the greens of Hertfordshire, England. When news spreads that a mysterious, handsome and wealthy bachelor has come to town, the world the Bennet sisters thought they knew turns upside down, especially for the rebellious Lizzy.

Featuring: Octavia Chavez-Richmond, Dawn Elizabeth Clements, Biko Eisen-Martin, Aneisa J. Hicks, Brian Lee Huynh, Rami Margron, Luis Moreno, and Maria Elena Ramirez.

The creatives are: Set Design: Gerardo Díaz Sánchez - Costume Design: Izumi Inaba - Lighting Design: Jennifer Fok - Sound Design: Megumi Katayama - Choreography: James Beaudry - Production Stage Manager: Kelsey Vivian - Assistant Stage Manager: Amy Patricia Stern - Casting By Calleri Casting.

November 27 through December 22, 2019 at the Long Wharf in New Haven, CT.

HARRY TOWNSEND'S LAST STAND a new play written by George Eastman.

Directed by Karen Carpenter.

Starring Three time Tony Award Nominee and Tony Award winner, Len Cariou and Tony Award nominee Craig Bierko.

A comedy with heart, Harry Townsend's Last Stand centers around 85-year-old Harry Townsend, a widower, living alone in the Lakeside home he built in Vermont. While he still possesses a sharp mind and a dry wit, he is getting up there in age. Beside his daughter, Sarah, the one happiness in his life is his son, Alan, who is finally coming home after an 18-month absence. Yet Alan's return is accompanied by an agenda that puts the aging father and his concerned son at odds. Harry Townsend's Last Stand tells a story of complex family dynamics, passion, humor and the shorthand of communication that we have with our loved ones.

The creatives are : scenic design by Lauren Helpern, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Jeff Davis and sound design by John Gromada. General management is by Brierpatch Productions.

Currently playing at New York City Center Stage II in New York City with the official opening on December 4, 2019.

E-Book

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

WHO'S WHERE

KAREN MASON in Kander & Ebb's All That Jazz. As one of the original stars of the off-Broadway production of And The World Goes ‘Round, Mason has a personal connection to these legends and their music. Featuring unique show-stopping numbers, this new show highlights Mason’s vocal prowess, moving charisma, and overall versatility. November 25-27, 2019 at Birdland in New York City.

ALEX RAMON materializes at Lake Tahoe's Hard Rock Hotel Casino for two magical shows Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, November 29th and Saturday November 30, 2019.

THE BEACH BOYS singing their hits at the Edgewater E Center, Laughlin, NV on Saturday, November 30 2019. Next Sunday, December 1, they can be enjoyed at the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts, Palm Desert, CA.

WOODY ALLEN AND THE EDDY DAVIS NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND perform Monday, November 25, at Cafe Carlyle in New York City as they do every Monday evening.

JOHN SCOFIELD AND DAVE HOLLAND DUO entertain November 26, 2019 through December 1, 2019 at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

ELTON JOHN next Saturday, November 30, 2019 opens a two nighter at the HBF Park, Perth, WA, Australia.

FINAL OVATION

VALERIE TAYLOR-BARNES celebrated ballerina of the Royal Ballet and champion of young artists, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 18, 2019 at the age of 88. She was preceded in death nearly ten years to the day by her beloved husband, Clive Barnes.

Valerie began dancing at the tender age of 3 and began her training with Sadler’s Wells (later to be called the Royal Ballet) when she was 16. She joined the company in 1948 at the age of 17.

She also taught dance for many years, leading her to the U.S. with classes at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, Martin Luther King Jr. High School, Marymount Manhattan College, and Dance Theatre of Harlem alongside Arthur Mitchell.

Her legacy will live on through the continued work of The Clive Barnes Foundation, which she founded in 2009 in honor of her late husband, New York Times and New York Post theater and dance critic Clive Barnes. Both were well-known for their fervent vocal support of dancers and theater artists during their early careers, cultivating the next generation of great performing artists. Each year, the Foundation recognizes a select group of finalists in both theater and dance, with the winners receiving The Clive Barnes Award and $5,000.

Previous winners of The Clive Barnes Award, selected by Valerie Taylor-Barnes and a committee of critics and performers, include Nina Arianda, MJ Rodriguez, Rob McClure, Jonny Orsini, Russell Janzen, Alex Sharp, Gemma Bond, and Evan Ruggiero. The ceremony for 10th annual Clive Barnes Awards will take place on Monday, April 6, 2020.

Valerie is survived by family members Edward Cartwright, Jacqueline Cartwright, Phillipa Cartwright, Celia Senzar, Katherine Verner, Christopher Barnes, Samuel Clarence, and Maya Johansen.

Next Column: December 1, 2019
Copyright: November 24, 2019 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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