Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: October 22, 2023
By: Laura Deni
CLICK HERE FOR COMMENT SECTION

REVIEW OF TITANIC THE MUSICAL OPENING IN MORE THAN 700 MOVIE THEATERS NATIONWIDE

Cast of Titanic The Musical. Production photos by Pamela Raith

This stunning production -- captured live on stage in the UK for cinema screenings -- celebrates the 26th anniversary of the Broadway production and the 10th anniversary of the show’s London premiere.

Titanic the Musical features music and lyrics by Maury Yeston with a book by Peter Stone. The pair have collectively won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award, and three Tony Awards. The original Broadway production of Titanic the Musical opened in 1997 and won five Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.

This is a don't miss it opportunity. To see this flawless British stage production as a movie is a rare opportunity. The showing will be in over 700 movie theaters nationwide via Fathom Events on November 4 and 8th.

The RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and 'the unsinkable ship' slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century where 1522 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on the 1912 historic sinking, and on the real people aboard the RMS Titanic, the most legendary ship in the world. Titanic the Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the Third-Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the Second Class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, while the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever.

Composer and lyricist Maury Yeston said it perfectly: "Watching it as a film is a completely different experience than seeing it onstage. This is the best directed production I’ve seen. The cast is perfect. The camera work and all of the close-ups provide a seamless liquidity for the transitions that makes every moment more immediate. I am amazed by the clarity of the sound and the ability to hear every word. I feel very proud of this reimagined film of Titanic the Musical. It's a grand story about people's bravery, cowardice and a coming together of humanity. It's also a story about how we deal with an emergency, how we deal with potential tragedy and how in the final analysis the human spirit is indomitable under the worst circumstances."

This production surpasses the multiple winning Broadway effort, which - at the beginning - had a few technical issues and required a few shows to fully get its sea legs. Titanic the Musical was produced on Broadway in 1997 and ran 804 performances and 26 previews. A US tour commenced in January 1999.

The first performance of this UK production was at Southwark Playhouse in July 2013. It subsequently played in Toronto and on two major UK and international tours. This production is about to return to China for a five city tour, one of the first Western companies to head to China post pandemic. The musical has played throughout the UK and Europe. It has been translated into: Japanese, French, Dutch, German, Czech, Finnish, Norwegian, Korean and Danish.

This theatrical production was magnificently directed by Thom Southerland. A sensitive direction for the screen by Austin Shaw. Spot on sets and costumes were designed by David Woodhead, outstanding lighting by Howard Hudson, and perfect sound by Andrew Johnson. The musical staging was by Cressida Carré, the musical supervisor was Mark Aspinall and the musical director was Ben Papworth. The production was produced and cast by Danielle Tarento.

Stage director Thom Southerland

Screen director Austin Shaw

The cast of Titanic the Musical includes: Martin Allanson (J. Bruce Ismay), Valda Akiks (Ida Straus), Graham Bickley(Captain Edward Smith), Sam Brown (Frederick Fleet), James Darch (Edgar Beane), David Delve (Isidor Straus), Adam Filipe (Frederick Barrett), Emily George (Kate Murphy), Luke Harley (Andrew Latimer), Emma Harrold (Lady Caroline Neville), Alastair Hill (Harold Bride), Abi Hudson (Maid), Barnaby Hughes (Herbert Pitman/Henry Etches), Paul Kemble (Joseph Boxhall), Niamh Long (Kate Mullins), Matthew McDonald(Charles Clarke), Ian McLarnon (Thomas Andrews), Danny Michaels (Joseph Bell), Janet Mooney (Head Maid), Chris Nevin (Jim Farrell), Jack North (Charles Lightoller), Joseph Peacock (Bellboy/Wallace Hartley), Billy Roberts (William McMaster Murdoch), Bree Smith (Alice Beane), and Lucie-Mae Summer(Kate McGowan).

While some musicals have one or two performers who are the "stars", in this production all of the performers are perfectly balanced, which enables them to deliver a seemless, beyond powerful production.

Broadway To Vegas watched the screener and to say "impressed" is an understatement.

The musical opens with Titanic executives, mechanics and builders congratulating each other (How Did They Build Titanic?; Fare-thee-well; There She Is; The Largest Floating Object in The World) followed by the passengers marveling at the creation exceeding perfection and proclaiming that they would be "back before a fortnight".

The loading of the crew and cargo, such as the necessities to feed the passengers - 36,000 oranges - tons and tons of provisions all properly checked off.

Optimism is high. Not a finer morning to sail.

Three women named Kate meet and bond. Production photos by Pamela Raith

Passengers are told to bring their boarding documents and await instruction. Three woman named Kate meet and bond.

Those in steerage are seeking a better life in America. Passengers on the deluxe A and B suites board. That included the Astors in A-62. Astor' second wife is 19. He is 29 years her senior. Married for seven months, she is seven months pregnant.

Some of the lyrics are rapidly recited. However, the articulations are so perfect, that each word is easily understood.

They sing that the person in the most expensive suite "must be somebody". The audience may well assume it was "the unsinkable Molly Brown," although her name isn't mentioned.

"Loaded and ready for sea" came the announcement. Sail On, Sail On they sing, full of excitement and optimism. The speed is 19 knots. An expert declares that the speed should be 22 knots. The speed is upped to 20 knots. "If I say you're on course, your bloody well on course," as executives joggle for hierarchy position.

The Boiler Room where the work is hot and hard. Production photos by Pamela Raith

Cockney speaking lads, some as young as 15, working in the boiler room are in the heat and the work is hard. Choreography and superb lighting leaves no doubt that the shoveling is grueling.

Flawless camera work effectively gives the stage production added dimension.

Second class passengers are thrilled when they catch a glimpse of the rich and famous, with some of the second class patrons attempting to sneak into first class dining; passengers dressed like the swells they are, dining on grouse with sauce. (What A Remarkable Age This Is).

First Class passengers at dinner. Production photos by Pamela Raith

In second class, a couple fleeing parents, pretending to be married; looking forward to arriving in New York so they can be wed.

484 miles were covered the first day. Speed upped to 21 knots resulting in 519 miles accomplished the next day.

Crew members report a message about icebergs. Maintain 21 knots is the order. "Monopoly makes the steel industry better than before," the aristocrat declares. Another message about ice. The captain says to keep a sharp eye out but not to worry. He increased the speed to 22 knots.

The directing and choreography offer smooth transitions between the various class stations on the boat and offer insight into the emotional parameters of each class.

Subtle, moody lighting is the unspoken co-star.

Food isn't to taken into steerage, as it encourages rats.

60 shillings charged for each steerage passage. Drab colored costumes emphasize their social and economic status. Each are provided a pickle for dessert and share their dreams of the "new world" of America. Women dream of being a lady's maid in America. (Lady's Maid ) Or, a governess. A man announces he dreams of being a constable, a constable in America.

If those in steerage are clinging to dreams; not everyone in first class is blissful.

Lady Caroline on her honeymoon doesn't experience total happiness as her greengrocer husband, who obviously married up, isn't comfortable with his new position.

The officers complain that the water pressure isn't there. They intend that White Star beat speed records. "Titanic must be known as a six day ship," it is ordered, referring to a trip from England to New York.

An iceberg warning is received in the radio room, but isn't immediately delivered because a love sick, boiler room lad wants to send a message to his girl back home, asking her to marry him when he returns.

First Class pasengers at the ship's dance. Production photos by Pamela Raith

The first class passengers are told that after church services, (God Lift Me Up) they should remain on deck for the orchestra will be playing for dancing. The tempo suggests music which will be the backbone of the upcoming 1920s. (Doing The Latest Rag)

David Woodhead knows how to use color as a focal point with director Thom Southerland positioning dramatic color in precisely the correct positions.

The musical arrangements are awesome. You won't leave the theater humming a tune. There is no memorial knock it to the back row Act I closer. You're not going to be able to sing any of the songs. While the fabulous music does assist in plot progression, the score is smoothly integrated into the story and dialogue. A sumptuous musical experience.

Speed is increased to 23 knots, even though another ice warning has been received and there are contradictory reports of the iceberg's location.

The audience chuckles when a first class passenger says he might run for Congress - because they don't have to know anything.

The boat is speeding along with not a shadow in the sky.(No Moon). The weather has changed and the temperature is 31 degrees.

In two days - America where they can celebrate the season as sung in Autumn.

A haunting reprise of No Moon. A warning of iceberg right ahead is yelled. Panic begins at the Titanic hits the ice.

Following the Entr'acte from the orchestra stewards awaken the passengers. Wake Up, Wake Up! They tell the passengers they are just following orders and don't know the problem.

Passengers are told to dress warmly, bring their life preservers and proceed to the Grand Salon. Dressed In Your Pyjamas In the Grand Salon, while the passengers want to go back to sleep. Mr. Guggenheim wants to know if they are in danger. He is placated - told they would be a day's delay in getting to New York. However, they are ordered to put their life vests on - now.

The sound of the ship beginning to split in two is dramatic. Again, the passengers are told everything is a "formality".

The Staircase addresses the lower class passengers who seem to have a better grasp on the seriousness of the situation.

Blaming each other as a telegraph man frantically receives warning messages. Production photos by Pamela Raith

The Blame speculates that the ship has an hour and a half before sinking and there is enough blame for all of those in charge.

Passengers are ordered To the Lifeboats. There are not enough lifeboats. To have included more than 20 lifeboats would have taken away too much deck space from first class passengers.

Lower class passengers will be locked below. A death sentence.

A message comes in that the Carpathian is on the way.

To Be A Captain admits that the passengers have put their lives in his hands He lashes out, questioning why the ship couldn't have been built properly. Keeping the millionaires happy. Speeding along too fast. The men are angry and blame laying. "There is only one captain I was in charge. This is my ship. No-one else's."

A baby cries. The husband removes his life vest and gives it to his wife, who cradles their child. He vows to see her tomorrow. A wife who has been married for 45 years refuses to get into the lifeboat without her husband.

In a dramatic, chilling scene the passengers declare to their loved ones that they will be together again, leading into the powerful and poignant We'll Meet Tomorrow and "have each other ever-more."

Those who could fit into lifeboats have done so and the remaining are waiting for the ship to completely sink. Even in the worst of times there is always something funny or clever.

"The water is as cold as polar bear's ass and it won't be long before we are in it up to ours."

The men stand there, knowing there is no hope. The vision of the Titanic was that she was her own lifeboat. In other words, unsinkable.

The continued breaking apart of the "unsinkable" ship is nerve wracking.

The dialogue can be simple and powerful.

When a Steward offers a first class couple - Ida and Isidor Straus - an unopened bottle of expensive champagne the wife remarks: "It seems a shame to open it."

The Steward replies: "Under the circumstances, it would be a shame not to."

They express their enduring love in Still.

"I declare this vessel lost. It's every man for himself," yells the captain.

The scene is eerie - dark with effective and powerful shadow lighting. The few survivors explain: there were over 1000 souls in the freezing water. the sounds they made were deafening, then after half an hour - silence. 450 empty seats on those lifeboats. 95 miles from dry land. 705 survivors.

An emotional stunning ending.

If you have only seen the movie, the character of Rose has been eliminated, nor is Molly Brown part of the production. This isn't a frothy love story with a sinking ship as part of the action. This is a mesmerizing, explosive, sensitive retelling of a historical event. It's rare to see such a cohesive - writing, directing, acting music, lighting, costumes, set design, sound - dovetailing. The result is a high end, flawless, powerful, memorable, stunning production.

In theaters November 4th and 8th. Get your tickets now.

E-Book

Soft back Book

Broadway To Vegas is supported through advertising and donations. Priority consideration is given to interview suggestions, news, press releases, etc from paid supporters. However, no paid supporters control, alter, edit, or in any way manipulate the content of this site. Your donation is appreciated. We accept PAYPAL.

Thank you for your interest.

E-Book

Soft back Book

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

STRONG WOMEN IN RENAISSANCE ITALY

Lorenzo Costa, Portrait of a Woman with a Pearl Necklace, probably 1485-95. A portrait of a young woman in a dress wearing a pearl necklace; her red hair is mostly covered by an ornate cloth. Oil on panel. Bequest of Mrs. Thomas O. Richardson.

The history of the Italian Renaissance has long been told through the accomplishments of famous men. In the Boston of Fine Arts' new exhibition, the focus shifts to women’s stories.

Strong Women in Renaissance Italy features art made by women, including Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana, as well as works commissioned by women, depicting women, or made for their use.

When you think about Renaissance Italy, do the names Sofonisba Anguissola, Isabella d’Este, or Lavinia Fontana come to mind? These women, and many others whose names we may never know—artists, writers, patrons, entrepreneurs, healers, nuns, teachers, and more—influenced their time much more than history has generally recognized.

Through more than 100 works from the 14th to the early 17th century, this exhibition explores the lives and experiences of women in Renaissance Italy and offers new perspectives on female creativity, power, and agency. Learn about Sofonisba Anguissola, who served at the court of King Phillip II of Spain and painted more self-portraits than any other artist in Renaissance Italy. One of her self-portraits shows her holding a large shield-like object inscribed with her signature, declaring she painted it.

See Renaissance interpretations of historical figures, like a bronze bust of Cleopatra showing the Egyptian queen as pensive and noble rather than seductive and dangerous—a work likely commissioned by Isabella d’Este, one of Renaissance Italy’s most influential patrons of the arts.

Get to know the story of Gracia Nasi, a Jewish woman from a powerful family, through the portrait medal cast to celebrate her marriage.

Women in Renaissance Italy faced challenges and barriers to equity, education, and influence. But they often found ways to work around or overcome the institutional structures of their time. The mix of sculpture, paintings, ceramics, textiles, fashion accessories, illustrated books, and prints in this exhibition reveals the material lives of Renaissance women and tells empowering and inspiring stories that have long gone untold.

On display through January 7, 2024 at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.

E-Book

Soft back Book

SWEET CHARITY

FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL'S 39th ANNUAL NIGHT OF STARS GALA and awards ceremony took place at The Plaza in New York City on October 7, 2023.

The Black-tie, chic crowd of fashion luminaries and celebrities walked the red carpet before going on to enjoy a cocktail hour, followed by the seated dinner and awards presentations.

A few of the numerous well shod feet gliding down the red carpet included: Latin singer Marc Anthony and his wife Nadia Ferreira wearing a Marchesa a one-shoulder sleeveless organza ball gown with a gathered bodice, peplum drape, pleated A-line skirt, sweeping train and exposed back. She accessorized the look with a set of diamond statement earrings.

Martha Stewart wore a white sequin bouclé suit with a boxy blazer adorned with a flower appliqué on the shoulder and wide-leg jumpsuit. She accessorized with metallic peep-toe shoes, dramatic hanging earrings and a tan bag.

The sparkly suit was made by designer Dennis Basso, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the event from Stewart.

Fashion editor, hostess & red carpet regular, Tijana Ibrahimovic's ruby red sash of her Cyril Verdavainne gown, whose robin's egg blue color was the masterfully accented by the black lace bodice, from the night.accessorized with jewelry from Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry.

Sex in the City writer Candace Bushnell, who has previously attended the Gala, opted for a short, fluffy dress and open toed heels. She also accessorized with Stephen Silver jewelry.

The Night of Stars opened with remarks from FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, FGI Chairman of the Board James D’Adamo, and Fashion Group Foundation President Matthew Trent, followed by an awards presentation featuring an illustrious list of honorees and presenters:

Andrew Bolton, Wendy Yu Curator in Charge, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, received The SUPERSTAR Award, presented by Eva Chen, Author and Director of Fashion Partnerships, Instagram

Proenza Schouler Co-Founders and designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, received the FASHION STAR Award, presented Cathy Horyn, Fashion Critic-at-Large, The Cut

Global Music Star and Co-Founder of the Maestro Cares Foundation Marc Anthony received the HUMANITARIAN Award, presented by fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez

Gail Boyé, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Commercialization, Shiseido Americas, received the BEAUTY INNOVATION Award, presented by Ron Gee, President and CEO, Shiseido Americas

Fashion and culture thought leader Antoine Phillips received the AGENT OF CHANGE Award, presented by model and activist Bethann Hardison

Fashion designer Dennis Basso received the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award, presented by businesswoman, writer, and television personality Martha Stewart

Whoopi Goldberg, Moderator of The View, internationally acclaimed EGOT winning actress, producer, and writer received the AMERICAN ICON Award, presented by Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation

The FGI Night of Stars ticketed gala is the non-profit organization’s most important annual fundraiser. Night of Stars helps FGI raise vital funds for essential programming – including mentorship, education, and professional development – and helps fund business grants, scholarships, and critical industry resources that support FGI’s global network of emerging and established professionals in fashion, beauty, retail, and related industries.

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN (CMOM)’s 50th Anniversary Gala on October 18, 2023 at Guastavino’s, in New York City raised more than $1.7 million in support of the organization. CMOM honored legendary ballerina, philanthropist, and author Misty Copeland, songwriter Benj Pasek, and U.S. Surgeon General Dr.Vivek Murthy. The evening began at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner. The festivities were attended by more than 400 guests.

Founded in 1973 as a neighborhood organization, CMOM has grown over the years into a beloved destination and resource for children, families, and educators from across the five boroughs and from around the world. The museum welcomes 350,000 visitors each year to its Upper West Side location and engages hundreds of thousands more through its outreach programs in partnership with schools, libraries, shelters, and Head Start centers throughout New York City; its touring exhibitions; and its online tools and curricula.

SPREADING THE WORD

THE CAMEL BEAUTY CONTEST even though those hump back creatures spit, is an eagerly anticipated contest to find the most beautiful camel. The smell of camel (never confused with Chanel #5) wafting over the grounds began yesterday, Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Heritage Racecourse in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

Owners take this seriously and even go to some non acceptable lengths to pretty up the camel - such as Botox, face lists to tighten up saggy jowl skin and injecting silicone and fillers. In 2021 there were 147 cases of tampering with forty-three contestants disqualified.

Fines for injecting fillers, Botox or hormones can be as much as 100,000 riyals ($27,000) per camel, while braiding, cutting the tail or dying the camel incurs a fine of 30,000 riyals ($8,000).

Many of the camels are noted for batting their long eyelashes at the judges who ignore the flirting.

The camels must display "not only dazzling beauty but also poise and grace."

Camel beauty competitions are divided into different categories, according to breed (Asayel, Majahim, Asayel hybrids and Wadh), age, sex and whether a camel is owned by a sheikh or a tribesman.

The first phase of the festival, which involve tens of thousands of camels from across the Arabian Peninsula and focuses on purebred breeds from the Asayel (pedigree) and Majaheem (dark-skinned) lineages, will run until October 28.

"The festival seeks to highlight and revive the Emirati and Arab heritage through camel beauty competitions, convey UAE’s civilization and humanitarian messages to the world, and promote the values of loyalty and belonging."

The winner, runner-up and third place camels all receive trophies. Breeders receive cash prizes. Over $68M is at stake, according to Saudi state media outlet Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

THE 2023 MEDIA EDUCATORS CONFERENCE will take place in Los Angeles at the Television Academy's Saban Media Center on Wednesday, October 25- Friday, October 2, 2023.

The Media Educators Conference brings 100+ college educators from across the country to Los Angeles for a multi-day immersive event that provides invaluable information on how professors can connect the classroom with the television industry.

For 30 years the Television Academy Foundation has collaborated with industry professionals, creators, and top executives to keep educators on the cutting edge of the entertainment business so they can provide their students, the next generation of television leaders, with a state-of-the-art education.

The event is co-chaired by Tina Perry, president, OWN Network & OTT Streaming, and Jamila Hunter, executive vice president of programming and development at Freeform, and offers a wide variety of curriculum-enhancing seminars with industry leaders. The conference presents the latest insights and news on the art, science and business of television and provides invaluable information on how professors can connect their classrooms with the television industry. Faculty attendees will receive a one-year complimentary academic membership to the Television Academy.

2023 Conference panels to include:
Opening remarks from Foundation Chair Cris Abrego, Chairman of the Americas, Banijay
Keynote Speaker: David Eilenberg, Head of Content, Roku all moderated by Jeff Conway, senior contributor, Forbes, Hollywood and Entertainment.

The State of the Industry with Joe Flint, staff writer, Wall Street Journal; Andrew Wallenstein, president and chief media analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform; Mariel Turner, senior culture editor and IGTV host, Shondaland.com; and Brian Lowry, media critic, CNN.

Masterclass: Directing for TV with directors Dr. Rachel Raimist (Roswell, New Mexico; Up Here) and Morenike Joela Evans (Quantum Leap; iCarly).

Navigating Unscripted Television: Insights from Industry Leaders with Alisa Serrod, executive producer and showrunner, Edmonds Entertainment; Jill Dickerson, executive vice president, head of development, 44 Blue Productions; casting director Doron Ofir (Temptation Island); and executive producer Sean Rankine (Put A Ring On It).

Creative Jobs of the Future Featuring CVL Economics

The Art of the Pitch: Bringing Entertainment Concepts to Life

Preserving TV History: Exploring the TV Academy Foundation's Archive with Megan Chao, documentary producer and picture editor; Susan Moore, senior supervising producer Access Hollywood; and Jenni Matz, director, The Interviews, Television Academy Foundation; Gregory Joe Hernandez, special projects writer, USC News; moderated by media and tech executive Ivana Kirkbride.

Analytics & Insights with Stephanie Yates, senior vice president, content strategy, ALLBLK and WE tv; Michael Mulvihill, president, insights and analytics, FOX Entertainment, Tubi and FOX Sports; Bryan Mu, senior vice president, research and insights, Universal Studio Group; and Laurel Weir, executive vice president/head of programming and strategic insights and research, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks; moderated by Kseniya Ivnitskaya, senior research manager at Dotdash Meredith.

A Conversation With actress, writer and producer Deborah Pratt (Quantum Leap).

At the Frontline of Unscripted with Noah Pollack, vice president of unscripted content, Tubi; Craig Thomson, executive producer, international news, Vice Media Group; Adam Desiderio, director/producer, Vice Media Group; and Ben C. Solomon, director/correspondent, Vice Media Group.

Creative Jobs of the Future Featuring CVL Economics with Alissa Dubetz, director, CVL Economics.

The event will also feature the Foundation’s signature public series The Power of TV: Exploring TV’s Role in Shaping Healthy Masculinity with showrunner Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead); Gary Barker, president and CEO, Equimundo; and Ted Bunch, chief development officer, A Call to Men.

"The Media Educators Conference curriculum is designed to support instructors as they prepare the next generation of industry professionals," said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. "We look forward to welcoming aspirational educators from across the country to engage and learn from leading television professionals."

During the summer The Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship. offered applications for fellowships to attend the conference. Named in honor of the beloved, longtime host of the quiz show Jeopardy!, the Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowships offered fellowships to cover costs for recipients, including registration, travel and/or hotel accommodations for this year's conference, and were made possible by generous gifts from the Harry & Judy Friedman Family Foundation and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

LIVE IN THE VINEYARD 2023 takes place November 1-2, 2023 showcasing a diverse array of chart-topping artists and songwriters.

Headlining is an impressive array of musical talents, including Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Linda Perry, Australian Christian pop duo for KING + COUNTRY, renowned singer-songwriter Edwin McCain, Grammy-winning sensation Tori Kelly, Brent & Zach from Shinedown, pop-soul group Lawrence, multi-platinum pop artist Rachel Platten, and Grammy-nominated multi-platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks.

In addition to these headliners, LITV has announced the inclusion of several acclaimed artists and songwriters, including Garrett Adair, Jay Allen, Blanca, Fritz Hager, Makena Hartlin, Madison Love, and Joe Sumner.

These newly revealed talents will join an already impressive lineup featuring Charlotte Cardin, Gareth Dunlop, Jackie Evancho, Jonah Kagen, Mariangela, Emmy Meli, New West, Ava Della Pietra, Sarah Reeves, Zach Seabaugh, and Craig Stickland.

Each year, Live In The Vineyard elevates the attendee experience by hosting main events across Napa Valley's most renowned wineries and locales. The festivities kick off with the Welcome Reception at the elegant Chandon, followed by an exclusive VIP Luncheon at Charles Krug Winery.

The mainstage concerts promise to be unforgettable experiences at the historic Uptown Theatre, while the event wraps up in style with a Send-Off Brunch at Calmere Estate. In addition to the main events accessible to all LITV attendees, exclusive VIP performances are slated to occur at select wineries across the Napa Valley.

Known as one of the most exclusive and unique events across the country, LITV gives attendees intimate access to recording artists, premier Napa Valley wineries, and renowned chefs during a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience. The 3-day event brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups, and more from around the country to celebrate and hear brand new music by today’s most successful artists as well as the most popular emerging artists in a unique arrangement. What sets LITV apart from other events is the exclusivity, the intimacy, and tailored curation, and the stunning vineyard-filled hillsides and world-class wine and culinary features that Napa Valley offers.

LITV is a private event and is only open to invited industry guests, including music supervisors, radio programmers, label executives, corporate partners, and sweepstakes winners. National radio promotions are aired around the event where fans can enter for a chance to win.

LITV, LITVGC, and Elevation are produced by Forefront Networks/FF Entertainment. Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect, and enhance the region’s position as the world’s premier wine country experience and to enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live, and work is comprised of five distinct towns from north to south – Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, the City of Napa, and American Canyon, along with designated areas including Rutherford, Oakville, Angwin, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa. Napa Valley, with its rural, 35-mile scenic landscape, is conveniently located within an hour drive from three international airports, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento.

THE NEW YORK POPS kicks off their 41st season on October 27 at Carnegie Hall in New York City with the music of 21st Century Broadway.

For this brand-new program, the orchestra performs some of the most iconic Broadway hits since 2000 with a quartet of Broadway's brightest stars: Hailey Kilgore, Derek Klena, Javier Muñoz, and Ali Stroker. Songs include “Perfect” (Jagged Little Pill), “Dear Theodosia” (Hamilton), “For Good” (Wicked), and “Waving Through a Window” (Dear Evan Hansen), plus highlights from Aladdin, Waitress, The Color Purple, Catch Me if You Can, and more.

Each guest singer receives a generous turn in the spotlight, and they also join forces in a series of audience-thrilling duets and group numbers.

The New York Pops continues their partnership with CaringKind, New York's leading expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving, this season.

Before the orchestra's performance on October 27, The New York Pops and CaringKind will host a special reception at Carnegie Hall for individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia.

At this dementia-friendly program, guests will enjoy a meet and greet with Steven Reineke and musicians from the orchestra before watching the orchestra's rehearsal for 21st Century Broadway. The reception begins at 1:30 PM, with the rehearsal to follow at 3 PM.

DON McLEAN the Grammy award honoree, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will perform at Wilkins Theatre in Union, New Jersey on Saturday, October 28. Don McLean has embarked on his 2023 American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour with 20 additional cities throughout the United States and Canada, celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs and albums ever performed. The eight-and-a-half-minute ballad American Pie has been making history since its release in 1971. McLean’s composition was also voted Song of the 20th Century.

THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY has announced Latin Grammy winner Sebastián Yatra, Latin Grammy nominee and actress Danna Paola, and the internationally actresses Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega as the hosts for the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.

Current nominees Maria Becerra, Bizarrap, Feid, Kany García, Carin León, Christian Nodal, Rauw Alejandro and Alejandro Sanz have been announced as performers.

The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Sevilla (Andalucía), Spain,?on Thursday, November 16, 2023, on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.

The Latin Grammy Premiere, where the majority of the categories are awarded, will precede the telecast.

HARTFORD STAGE in partnership with CT State Community College (Capital) presents the Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes (In The Heights; Water By The Spoonful) who participates in a conversation with Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 with a Welcome reception at Christ Church Cathedral at 5PM following by Conversation at Hartford Stage at 7PM. All events are free, but registration is required.

DUBAI OPERA AND ENCORE the leading performing arts company in Dubai, UAE which specializes in classical music and the arts, has launched the first edition of the Global Notes Concert Series.

This new concert series takes at the intimate Dubai Opera Studiowhich is dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity and nurturing young global talents.

Appearing this year are:

October 27, 2023 - Linus Roth, Violinist (Germany) & Boris Kusnezow, Pianist (Germany)

November 11, 2023 - Laura Mekhail, Soprano (Egypt) & Amira Fouad, Pianist (Canada)

November 25, 2023 - Natalie Perez, Mezzo Soprano (France) Amira Fouad, Pianist (Canada)

December 3, 2023 - Anna Fedorova, Pianist (Ukraine) & Nicholas Santangelo Schwartz, Cellist & Double Bassist (USA)

E-Book

Soft back Book

THE WOMEN’S MEDIA CENTER hosted their 2023 Women's Media Awards on October 19th at the Whitby Hotel in New York City. The WMC AWARDS were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media.

This year’s WMC 2023 Women’s Media Awards honorees were:

Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, activist, Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, received the WMC Sisterhood is Powerful Award.

Fredricka Whitfield, CNN News anchor, received the WMC Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award.

Karen Lincoln Michel, President of ICT, formerly Indian Country Today, and President and CEO of IndiJ Public Media, received the WMC Carol Jenkins Award.

Emily Ladau, Disability Rights Activist, author of Demystifying Disability, received the WMC Progressive Women’s Voices IMPACT Award.

Koritha Mitchell, award-winning author, cultural critic, literary historian, professor of English, received the WMC Progressive Women’s Voices IMPACT Award.

Akila Radhakrishnan, President of the Global Justice Center, received the WMC Progressive Women’s Voices IMPACT Award.

Women's Media Center Co-Founders Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan and WMC President & CEO Julie Burton appeared at the gala. WMC Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, former WMC President Carol Jenkins, WMC Vice Chair Erica González Martínez, and WMC Board member Rebecca Adamson also made appearances at the gala.

Women’s Media Awards Co-Chairs were: Loreen Arbus, Melinda French Gates, Anne Kiehl Friedman, Cindy Holland, Helen LaKelly Hunt, Susan Pritzker, Lynda & Stewart Resnick, Sheryl Sandberg, Regina K. Scully, Alexandra Shiva, Mary & Steven Swig, Darren Walker, Jenny Warburg, and Sophia Yen.

Proceeds from these awards support the work of the Women's Media Center.

Past WMC honorees include Luvvie Ajayi, Christiane Amanpour, Amma Asante, Laura Bates, Samantha Bee, Ursula Burns, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Katie Couric, Abigail Disney, Sady Doyle, Mona Eltahawy, Fatima Goss Graves, Maria Hinojosa, Cindy Holland, Sarah Hoye, Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff, Sheila C. Johnson, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Ashley Judd, Maria Teresa Kumar, Laura Ling and Lisa Ling, Lara Logan, Andrea Mitchell, Pat Mitchell, Martha Nelson, Soledad O’Brien, Salma Hayek Pinault, Elianne Ramos, Joy Reid, Robin Roberts, April Ryan, Anita Sarkeesian, Regina K. Scully, Mary Thom, Marlo Thomas, Barbara Walters, Padmasree Warrior, Lindy West, and Maggie Wilderotter.

THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP (TCG) has released Top 10 Most-Produced Plays and Top 20 Most-Produced Playwrights for the new season. Based on the 2023-24 season programming submitted by TCG’s Member Theatres (current membership stands at 558), as well as on credits from Broadway productions, these lists customarily omit various stagings of A Christmas Carol and works by Shakespeare.

American Theatre’s Top 10 Most-Produced Plays (12 due to ties)

What the Constitution Means to Me, by Heidi Schreck (16 productions)
Clyde’s, by Lynn Nottage (14 productions)
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, by Selina Fillinger (12 productions)
The Lehman Trilogy, by Stefano Massini (12 productions)
Dial M for Murder, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from Frederick Knott (9 productions)
Fat Ham, by James Ijames (9 productions)
The Thanksgiving Play, by Larissa FastHorse (8 productions)
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, by Douglas McGrath (8 productions)
Sanctuary City, by Martyna Majok (8 productions)
Cabaret, by Joe Masteroff (7 productions)
Every Brilliant Thing, by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe (7 productions)
The Rocky Horror Show, by Richard O'Brien (7 productions)

American Theatre’s Top 20 Most-Produced Playwrights (24 due to ties)

Lynn Nottage (22)
Ken Ludwig (17, 1 co-credit)
Heidi Schreck (16)
August Wilson (15)
Selina Fillinger (13)
Kate Hamill (13)
Jeffrey Hatcher (13)
Lauren Gunderson (12, 5 co-credits)
Martyna Majok (12)
Stefano Massini (12)
Howard Ashman (10)
Larissa FastHorse (10)
James Ijames (10)
Bob Martin (10)
Harvey Fierstein (9)
Joe Masteroff (9)
Dominique Morisseau (9)
Douglas McGrath (8)
Thomas Meehan (8)
Karen Zacarias (8, 2 co-credits)



TRANSLATIONS is the first production in The Friel Project, a retrospective of the work of renowned Irish playwright Brian Friel, celebrating Irish Rep’s 35th Anniversary.

Directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes.

The play takes place in late August 1833 at a hedge-school in the townland of Baile Beag - an Irish speaking community in County Donegal. Strangers have arrived in town in the form of a detachment of Royal Engineers engaged on behalf of the British Army and Government to “standardize” the Gaelic name places by translating them into English. There is friction in the community and there is also love and romance between the native and the strangers. Translations illuminates the significance of language at scales both large and small and questions the meaning of cultural expression and identity in an Ireland under British rule.

The cast will include Raffi Barsoumian (Privacy), Owen Campbell (Hangmen), Rufus Collins (The Dead, 1904), John Keating (Autumn Royal), Owen Laheen (Belfast Girls), Seán McGinley (Ages of the Moon), Seth Numrich (Leopoldstadt), Oona Roche (“The Morning Show”), Erin Wilhelmi (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Mary Wiseman (An Octoroon).

The creatives include: set design by Charlie Corcoran, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Michael Gottlieb, sound design by Ryan Rumery & M. Florian Staab, original music by Ryan Rumery, and properties by Deirdre Brennan. Conor Bagley is the Associate Director, James Fitzsimmons is the Production Stage Manager, and Shanna Allison is the Stage Manager. Casting is by JZ Casting, Geoff Josselson, CSA and Katja Zarolinski, CSA.

In previews with an opening night set for Sunday October 29, for a limited run through Sunday December 3, 2023, on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage at Irish Repertory Theatre inNew York City.

SHE by Antaeus-commissioned playwright Marlow Wyatt.

Directed by Andi Chapman.

Camille Ariana Spirlin stars as 13-year-old SHE Sojourner Freeman. Resilient and ever-optimistic, SHE overcomes her stifling small-town existence by re-imagining her reality through poetry. Her dreams take flight when she’s presented with the opportunity to attend the prestigious Vanguard Academy.

"A poignant, magical and lyrical coming-of-age American drama."

The cast of characters also includes SHE’s best friend, Davie Mansaw, played by Ovation, Backstage and LADCC award-winner Lorenz Arnell; SHE’s hard-working, single mother, Bernice, portrayed by longtime Antaeus company member Karen Malina White; Bernice’s charismatic gambler boyfriend, Mr. Lonnie (Jon Chaffin)); eagle-eyed town matriarch, Miss Jane (four-time NAACP Theater Award nominee Veronica Thompson); and city-slick hustler Othalee (Gerard Joseph).

SHE is the recipient of the second annual Los Angeles New Play Project (LANPP) grant, designed to attract excellence in playwriting to the Los Angeles theater community and encourage the production of exciting, untried plays. The script was also a CTG/HUMANITAS finalist, Long Beach Playhouse New Works winner, and received National Black Theatre Festival A-List and Antaeus Theatre Company Lab Results readings.

The creative team includes scenic designer Eli Sherlock, lighting designer Andrew Schmedake, sound designer Jeff Gardner, video designer Nick Santiago, costume designer Wendell C. Carmichael and properties designer Katie Iannitello. The assistant director is Jessica Williams and the production stage manager is Camella Cooper.

SHE runs through November 20, with performances at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale, CA.

REDWOOD a new play by Youngblood alum Brittany K. Allen.

Directed by Ensemble Studio Theatre Member Artist Mikhaela Mahony.

The complete cast, who is returning from the originally planned production in 2020 that was delayed due to Covid, features playwright Brittany K. Allen, Denny Dale Bess, Bryn Carter, Tyrone Mitchell Henderson, Drew Lewis, Portia, Kate Siahaan-Rigg, and Eric R. Williams.

When Steve Durbin goes down the rabbit hole of charting his family's genealogy, he makes an unwelcome discovery that throws the entire Durbin clan into turmoil. Chiefly: his niece, Meg, who's forced to reconsider her relationship with Drew, a white physicist. With acid wit, love, and dance, REDWOOD ponders the project of interracial family-making in a haunted country.

Running to November 12, with an official press opening on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York City.

E-Book

Soft back Book

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.

FINAL OVATION

JONATHAN DOLGEN who passed away on October 9, 2023 was remembered by the California Institute of the Arts. "On behalf of the California Institute of the Arts Board of Trustees and the entire CalArts community, we share in the sadness of Jonathan Dolgen's passing. A trustee of the Institute since 2015, Jonathan was a dedicated supporter of CalArts and advocate for its mission. His deep knowledge and generosity have forever shaped the CalArts we know today. We are holding his loved ones in our hearts. Charmaine Jefferson, Chair, Board of Trustees; Ravi Rajan, President."

SUZANNE SOMERS died on October 15, 2023 in Palm Springs, CA following a lengthy breast cancer battle. She was 76.

Known for her roles on Three's Company and Step By Step she also was a successful author, businesswoman as spokesperson for Thighmaster, and videos as well as nutritional supplements.

During the 1980s she was a Las Vegas headliner. In the summer of 2003 , Somers made her Broadway debut in a one woman show, The Blonde and the Thunderbird, a collection of stories about her life and career. The show closed after a week due to bad reviews and poor ticket sales.

She is survived by her husband Alan, and son Bruce and three granddaughters.

JOANNA MERLIN actress and legendary casting director died in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 15, 2023. She was 93.

Merlin began her career as an actor, making her Broadway debut in Becket. In 1960, Merlin appeared in the Broadway production of A Far Country, starring Kim Stanley. In 1964 she created the role of Tevye's eldest daughter Tzeitel in the original company of Fiddler on the Roof.

That project would also begin Merlin's association with Hal Prince, who produced Fiddler's original run. She would go on to become Prince's primary casting director, casting companies of Fiddler and Prince's entire string of 1970s landmark Stephen Sondheim musicals, including Company; Follies; A Little Night Music; Pacific Overtures; Sweeney Todd, and Merrily We Roll Along. Her other Broadway casting credits include Side By Side By Sondheim, On the Twentieth Century, Evita, A Doll's Life, Play Memory, End of the World, and, finally, Into the Woods on Broadway. Merlin also served as casting director for a number of films.

Even while enjoying enormous success as a casting director, she continued to act, appearing on Broadway in Shelter; Uncle Vanya; The Survivor, and Solomon's Child. She also appeared in numerous films including Mystic Pizza; L.A. Law; Northern Exposure; The Good Wife, and Homeland; Law & Order; and appeared as Judge Len Petrovsky in more than 40 episodes of Law & Order: SVU

She was a faculty member of New York University's graduate acting program and founded the Michael Chekhov Association in 1999, where she also taught acting workshops. Merlin won an Artios Award from the Casting Society of America in 1988 for The Last Emperor. Merlin was preceded in death by husband David Dretzin. She is survived by their two children, actor Julie Dretzin and film producer Rachel Dretzin.

DIRK ARTHUR the last Las Vegas magician to use wild animals in his act died from a heart attack while he slept on Friday, October 13, 2023. He was 63. He would have turned 64 on October29th.

He was a long time member of the Long Beach Mystics and an original member of the Magic Castle Juniors. He first developed a very skillful bird act by incorporating the act he purchased from Kenny Whitaker. He expanded his act adding ducks, emus, and other exotics, eventually performing with leopards, Bengali Tigers, and snow tigers. In recent years, he performed without the cats, due to changing societal values and headline making outrage from PETA.

Dirk Arthur’s Wild Magic debuted in 1997 as a specialty act in the Jubilee production show at Bally’s, before subsequent incarnations leapt to the Silverton, Plaza, Tropicana, O’Sheas, Harrah’s in Reno and Laughlin, and the Riviera a few months before that hotel closed in 2015. The ninth venue to stage Dirk Arthur’s Wild Magic was the Westgate, for five months in 2017 and 2018. Before opening, Arthur was forced to eliminate a snow leopard, bobcat, birds, and a duck.

He kept 15 exotic animals in a private zoo on a 1-acre habitat west of the Strip near the Silverton, at an estimated cost of up to $150K per year.

Upon his death, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a statement calling for any exotic cats remaining in Arthur’s possession "to be sent to accredited sanctuaries where they’ll have space to roam, opportunities to swim and climb, and freedom from stage lights and filthy cages at last."

At the time of his death he was in negotiations to puchase a theatre in Branason, Missouri where he would perform.

HAYDN GWYNNE Tony and Olivier Award nominee died from cancer on October 20, 2023 in London, England. She was 66.

Gwynne became an actress in her mid-twenties. In her first prominent television role she played feminist lecturer Dr Robyn Penrose in the BBC television mini-series dramatization of David Lodge's Nice Work in 1989. Her first high-profile comedy role was as Alex Pates in Drop the Dead Donkey in 1990. In 2002, she starred in the television drama for the BBC The Secret playing the character of Emma Faraday.

Her theatre work included regional and London-based appearances, from the Octagon, Bolton, in Hedda Gabler, to Richard Cheshire's Way of the World appearing in West End productions of Ziegfeld as Billie Burke (1988), City of Angels and Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award. She reprized her role as Mrs Wilkinson in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot, which opened at the Imperial Theatre on November 13, 2008. Gwynne was awarded the Outer Critics Circle Award, Theatre World Award, and Drama Desk Award for her performance in Billy Elliot. She was also nominated for a 2009 Tony Award, Featured Actress in a Musical.

She also performed in numerous productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her later television appearances were usually in shorter dramas, such as the role of Julius Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, in the TV series Rome. She also appeared in the first Christmas special episode of Midsomer Murders “Ghosts of Christmas Past” (2004) as Jennifer Carter.

She performed at the Almeida Theatre in Islington in a performance of Becky Shaw which ran from January 20 until March 5, 2011. She also appeared in a second episode of the Midsomer Murders series 14, called "Dark Secrets" as Maggie Viviani which aired in Britain in 2011. She starred in Shakespeare's play Richard III alongside Kevin Spacey at The Old Vic in London during summer 2011 as part of the Bridge Project.

In October and November 2012, Gwynne toured in the play Duet for One. In 2013, she appeared as Margaret Thatcher in the premiere of the stage play The Audience by Peter Morgan.

In 2015 she starred alongside Tamsin Greig in the new musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, based on the Pedro Almodóvar film, at The Playhouse in London. In 2016, she starred as Mrs Peacham in Simon Stephens' adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's and Kurt Weill's Threepenny Opera, alongside Rory Kinnear as Macheath, Nick Holder as Mr Peacham, Rosalie Craig as Polly Peacham and Sharon Small as Jenny Diver at the National Theatre in London. In October 2021, she took over the role of Evangeline Harcourt for the final weeks of the London revival of Anything Goes at the Barbican Theatre. In 2022, she played Susan Hussey in the fifth series of The Crown, also written by Peter Morgan.

In 2023, Gwynbe starred as Pam Lee, a version of the real life judge Prue Leith, inThe Great British Bake Off Musical. In 2022, she performed "The Ladies Who Lunch" in a gala tribute to Stephen Sondheim, Old Friends. She was forced to withdraw from the subsequent run of the show, a few days before its opening, in September 2023. At that stage, her withdrawal was attributed to "sudden personal circumstances".

She is survived by her partner and two sons.

Next Column: October 29, 2023
Copyright: October 22, 2023 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.
Link to Main Page

---

Laura Deni

For the snail mail address, please E-mail your request.