Grease 2014 - Articles Page 19

Veteran press agent Leslie Baden Papa will launch Vivacity Media Group, an entertainment public relations agency on January 6, 2014. Publicist Whitney Holden Gore will join the firm as Vice President.

When it comes to the question of what I'm most looking forward to in 2014, I have but three words: Grease. Two. Live.

The 2014 Season marks a landmark for one of the region's most established and respected theatre organizations. With the opening of Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic The Sound of Music on January 17, 2014, The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre will kick off its Platinum Anniversary Season, celebrating 20 years of bringing live, first class entertainment to the stage.

Producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig have announced new leads for their smash hit musical Kinky Boots; Andy Kelso, who currently plays 'Harry', will take over the role of 'Charlie Price' on January 28, 2014 following Stark Sands' January 26 departure. Jeanna de Waal will join the cast as 'Lauren,' beginning March 4, 2014 (replacing Annaleigh Ashford, who leaves to join the cast of Showtime's 'Masters of Sex'), and Jake Odmark joins the ensemble in the roles previously played by Andy Kelso. As previously announced, Billy Porter, this year's Tony Award-winner for Best Actor in a Musical, will remain with Kinky Boots.

Lawrence Leritz will chat about his career and upcoming theatre projects for 2014 at 10;48 am on Spotlite Radio, December 23, 2013. Leritz recently choreographed 'A Broadway Holiday Concert 2013' for Huntington Disease NY, choreographing songs by Cole Porter and original cast members from Broadway's Grease. Audiences will recognize Lawrence Leritz from his recent film roles in The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and in Julie Taymor's musical Across The Universe. Lawrence made his film debut in 'Easy Money' opposite Rodney Dangerfield. Television includes 2013 Emmy Winner, Night Of Too Many Stars, performing in 'Call Me Maybe' with Carly Rae Jepsen and Harvey Keitel on Comedy Central. Other appearances include the Saturday Night Live, All My Children and the Michael J Fox Show. Lawrence is also the star of the best selling exercise DVD, Total Stretch!

The Ford's Theatre 2013-2014 season continues with the musical Violet, directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun (Broadway'sNewsies), January 24-February 23, 2014. Violet features a dynamic score of bluegrass, gospel, country and rock music by four-time Tony Award-nominated composer Jeanine Tesori (the recent Fun Home; Broadway's Caroline, or Change;Thoroughly Modern Millie; Shrek the Musical). The Ford's production stars a first-class Washington cast led by Erin Driscoll in the title role.

Last night I had the pleasure of speaking to two of the hottest producers in Hollywood and on Broadway all about their recent smash hit December with the ratings bonanza of NBC's live presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC as well as the three-network tent-pole two-night TV event, BONNIE & CLYDE - the peerless Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Discussing all aspects of the unprecedented live presentation, Zadan and Meron outline the process of bringing the gigantic production to the small screen and grant us a vivid look behind the scenes of the big show. Additionally, Zadan and Meron comment on the social media frenzy that occurred during the 25+ million-viewed telecast as well as their reaction to criticism of country music superstar Carrie Underwood in the starring role, as well as their longstanding relationship with NBC in general. Plus, Zadan and Meron also clue us in on what elements they seek out in special events such as this as we look ahead to next year's confirmed major live musical - whatever could it be?! Besides all about THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Zadan and Meron also offer us the 411 on a number of other projects immediately upcoming in 2014 and far beyond, with a special focus on their just-announced Harvey Weinstein collaboration on a feature film version of Stephen Schwartz's beloved PIPPIN, as well as first news on a forthcoming original Beach Boys jukebox musical currently in development and preliminary information on the pilot for a new musical series inspired by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren titled SONGBYRD, set to shoot in January. All of that, reflections on last year's sensational Academy Awards broadcast hosted by the controversial Seth MacFarlane and a look ahead to this year's Zadan & Meron-produced Oscars show - set to be hosted by daytime queen Ellen Degeneres - as well as stories from their early years producing cabaret showcases and penning books on theatre as well as much, much more in this all-encompassing conversation with the most important men in movie musicals.

Alice Ripley won a Tony Award for her leading role in the Pulitzer Prize winning musical "Next to Normal," and was a Tony-nominee for the musical "Sideshow" on Broadway. This January, she joins the star-studded lineup of the celebrated Broadway at NOCCA series, on January 6, 2014 at 7:00 PM for one show only. Jessica Means joins her at piano. For tickets please visit http://www.broadwaynola.com/ or call 1-800-838-3006. This holiday season, NOCCA is making available tickets to two Tony-winners for the price of one. Both Alice Ripley and Sutton Foster may be purchased together with The Broadway @ NOCCA Holiday Pass for just $50.

The McOnie Company is delighted to announce the cast for its inaugural production DRUNK, a theatre-dance revue which will premiere at Leicester's Curve Theatre on Tuesday 28 January 2014 before transferring to London'sBridewell Theatre from Wednesday 5 February 2014. On sale now.

New Jersey Repertory Company will present the world premiere of 'Admit One', a new comedy by Wendy Yondorf playing January 16 through February 16, 2014 at 179 Broadway in Long Branch.

Jennifer Holliday is undeniably one of R&B and Broadway's greatest voices. Endowed with a commanding and irresistible voice, immeasurable range and artistry that few can rival, Holliday has long stood in a class by herself. The dynamic songstress' now legendary show-stopping, heart-wrenching performance of the torch ballad "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" in the smash hit Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, made her a household name and introduced her big soulful voice to the world. Her portrayal of Effie "Melody" White, a role she co-created, not only brought theatergoers to their feet for eight performances a week, but also garnered her a Tony-Award for Best Actress in a Musical and her first Grammy-Award for Best R&B Female Vocalist. From Broadway to major TV appearances including (Ellen, Ally McBeal and Touched By An Angel) and half-a-dozen soundtrack credits, Jennifer Holliday is one of the most distinctive, enviable and revered voices in modern music. Through the years, Holliday has collaborated with everyone from Barbra Streisand, Luther Vandross, David Foster and Paul Simon, to Michael Jackson, Maurice White and Foreigner. She has also sung with the Boston Pops and The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra with Peter Nero, among numerous other esteemed orchestras. She considers herself to be a Broadway Baby and theater continues to be a significant part of her career. Her illustrious resume includes such theatre credits as Sing Mahalia Sing: The Mahalia Jackson Story, Downhearted Blues: The Bessie Smith Story, Harlem Suite (with Aretha Franklin), Chicago (starring as "Mama Morton"), Grease (starring as "Teen Angel") and Black Nativity (starring as the "Angel of God"). The in-demand star has also been invited to participate in Chaka Khan's induction into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame ceremony to take place June 10 at the Apollo Theatre and broadcast later on BET. Considering herself a "bi-partisan songbird," Jennifer is both honored and grateful to have performed at the White House for President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

After electrifying seasons in Brisbane and Sydney, and soon to open in Melbourne, producer John Frost has today announced that Australia's Number One Party Musical GREASE is coming to Perth and Adelaide. Perth and Adelaide audiences will have the opportunity to experience the high-energy, smash hit musical that has taken Australia by storm and includes such unforgettable songs as You're The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin' and many more.

New Jersey Repertory Company is proud to present the world premiere of 'Admit One', a new comedy by Wendy Yondorf playing January 16 through February 16, 2014 at 179 Broadway in Long Branch.

Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPA) will present Melissa Modifer in Concert, the first concert in the 2013-2014 CCPA Concert Series.

Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPA) is proud to present Melissa Modifer in Concert, the first concert in the 2013-2014 CCPA Concert Series. The series is a follow-up to last year's set which featured local talented musicians and performers in the intimate setting of the California Conservatory Theatre (CCT). The 2013-2014 concert series will feature a diverse collection of performers year round. The first concert of the season features hometown talent, former CCPA actor, and regional musical theatre standout Melissa Modifer (San Leandro) performing with music director Andy Kust and special guests Brittany Howk and Thomas Kulkus. Melissa Modifer in Concert runs today, December 6-8 at CCT in downtown San Leandro.

Continuing on from his successful tour in 2013, Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story is back and touring Australia from February - June 2014.

The 2014 Season marks a landmark for one of the region's most established and respected theatre organizations. With the opening of Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic The Sound of Music on January 17, 2014, The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre will kick off its Platinum Anniversary Season, celebrating 20 years of bringing live, first class entertainment to the stage.

Smash! Splat! Crash! It may be a messy Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 4, 2014 when MPAC presents Gallagher's Last Stand. Tickets are $29-49.

The Encore Dinner Theatre has added two shows to their 2014 calendar, RHONDA SHEAR'S NEW YEAR'S EVE PAJAMA PARTY on New Year's Eve and GREASE from January 10th to March 1st.

Below are all performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center in the month of January and February. Additional events may be added. Please note the Sylvia Browne event has been canceled due to her death. Scroll down for more information.

After beginning his career in 1993, longtime theatrical press agent MICHAEL HARTMAN, founder and CEO of one of the largest and most successful theatrical publicity firms in New York, will say goodbye to Broadway and close THE HARTMAN GROUP on Sunday, January 5, 2014, remaining fully operational until then.

Entertainment triple threat Todd McKenney knows what it's like to stand centre stage and he wants to share that thrill with guests on a series of personal tours.

Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPA) will present Melissa Modifer in Concert, the first concert in the 2013-2014 CCPA Concert Series.

Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPA) is proud to present Melissa Modifer in Concert, the first concert in the 2013-2014 CCPA Concert Series. The series is a follow-up to last year's set which featured local talented musicians and performers in the intimate setting of the California Conservatory Theatre (CCT). The 2013-2014 concert series will feature a diverse collection of performers year round. The first concert of the season features hometown talent, former CCPA actor, and regional musical theatre standout Melissa Modifer (San Leandro) performing with music director Andy Kust and special guests Brittany Howk and Thomas Kulkus. Melissa Modifer in Concert runs December 6-8 at CCT in downtown San Leandro.