ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

The 50th Anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING currently stars teen heartthrob and youngest member of the Jonas Brothers singing trio, Nick Jonas, as J. Pierrepont Finch, Emmy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning star of screen, television and stage Beau Bridges as J.B. Biggley, and making his Broadway debut, star of stage and television’s “Ugly Betty,” Michael Urie as Bud Frump.

They join Rose Hemingway in her Broadway debut as Jonas’ onstage romantic interest Rosemary Pilkington, 2011 Tony nominee Tammy Blanchard as Hedy La Rue, Rob Bartlett as Twimble/Wally Womper, Mary Faber as Smitty, Ellen Harvey as Miss Jones, 2011 Emmy Award winner Michael Park as Bert Bratt, and Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Anderson Cooper making his Broadway debut as the voice of the narrator. The cast of 30 includes Timothy J. Alex, Cleve Asbury, Tanya Birl, Holly Ann Butler, Abby Church, Kevin Covert, J. Austin Eyer, Paige Faure, David Hull, Justin Keyes, Marty Lawson, Shannon Lewis, Ian Liberto, Andrew Madsen, Nick Mayo, Sarah O'Gleby, Colt Prattes, Stephanie Rothenberg, Charlie Williams and Samantha Zack.

With the aid of a dated yet trusty self-help book "How to Succeed in Business," wily window washer J. Pierrepont Finch enjoys a rise up the corporate ladder at the World-Wide Wicket Company. Along the way, he romances secretary Rosemary Pilkington, charms the head honchos, outsmarts competitors and proves you can judge a book by its cover, even if it's corny.

The show is light-hearted fun. Urie is a hoot. Pilkington is a standout. Bridges is crusty and charismatic. My 9 year old son enjoyed. He was excited to see Jonas, though he his singing chops could use amplification for the Broadway stage. He gave it a valiant effort, and the many teen girls in the audience applauded his admirable efforts. He delivered best in the Act II showstopper “Brotherhood of Man.” The cast overall is impressive, as is the set, and it’s a feel good, family-friendly theatrical experience.

Nominated for eight 2011 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford, began previews Saturday, February 26, 2011 and opened Sunday, March 27 at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street in NYC). Breakout star of Fox’s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television show “GLEE” Darren Criss recently concluded his limited run as J. Pierrepont Finch on January 22, 2012. Daniel Radcliffe and 2011 Tony Award winner John Larroquette both played their final performance on January 1, 2012.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING has music and lyrics by Academy Award and Tony Award winner Frank Loesser, and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, based on the book by Shepherd Mead. The creative team includes Derek McLane (Sets) Catherine Zuber (Costumes), Howell Binkley (Lighting), Jon Weston (Sound), Tom Watson (Hair), Doug Besterman (Orchestrations), and David Chase (Music Director and Arranger).

Tickets for HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING range from $52 - $132, and are available at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office and at Telecharge.com (212-239-6200). A special family four pack offer is available; Visit http://howtosucceedbroadway.com/family.php.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: LYSISTRATA JONES

Broadway’s new musical comedy, Lysistrata Jones began preview performances November 12th at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Written by Tony nominee Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn and directed and choreographed by Tony nominee Dan Knechtges, Lysistrata Jones officially opens on December 14th.

This show is pure fun and a turn-on in more ways than one!  Think a smart, sassy, sexy High School Musical....an adrenaline rush for all ages....teens and up.  The young, attractive cast is hugely talented and versatile.  The book and lyrics are full of wit and a feel good takeaway message. The music is high energy, with a beautiful closing balad in the first act dribbled confidently out of the basketball court by Patti Murin.

The Athens University basketball team hasn’t won a game in 30 years. But when spunky transfer student Lysistrata Jones (Patti Murrin) dares the squad’s fed-up girlfriends to stop ‘giving it up’ to their boyfriends until they win a game, their legendary losing streak could be coming to an end. Lyssie J. and her girl-power posse give Aristophanes' classic a modern twist and take student activism to a whole new level.  Proving that abstinence can do a heart good, the testosterone driven basketball team learns the "hard" way (or not) to appreciate the comely cheerleaders who struggle to impart a lesson in love and life.

Lysistrata Jones stars Patti Murin (Lysistrata Jones), Liz Mikel (Hetaira), Josh Segarra (Mick), Jason Tam (Xander), and Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Robin) with Alexander Aguilar (‘Uardo), Ato Blankson-Wood (Tyllus), Katie Boren (Lampito), Kat Nejat (Cleonice), LaQuet Sharnell (Myrrhine), Teddy Toye (Harold) and Alex Wyse (Cinesius), with understudies LaVon Fisher-Wilson, Libby Servias, Charlie Sutton, Barrett Wilbert Weed, and Jared Zirilli.

Josh Segarra as the hunky lead basketball player and Jason Tam as Lyssie J.'s somewhat geeky, surprising, ultimate love interest, turn in heartfelt, nuanced and charismatic performances.  Lindsay Nicole Chambers is a hoot, and Liz Mikel as Heitaira is a commanding presence and voice with keen comedic acting chops.

Set design for Lysistrata Jones is by Allen Moyer (Tony nominee for Grey Gardens; The Little Dog Laughed; Twelve Angry Men; The Man Who Had All the Luck); costume design is by David C. Woolard (Tony nominee for The Rocky Horror Show and The Who's Tommy) and Thomas Charles LeGalley (The 39 Steps at Hartford Stage); lighting design is by Michael Gottlieb (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged); The Last Session); sound design is by Tony Meola (Drama Desk winner for The Lion King; Wicked; The Wild Party; Les Miserables); and hair design is by Mark Adam Rampmeyer (West Side Story, The Farnsworth Invention). The music director is Brad Simmons with music coordinator Dean Sharenow and the associate choreographer is Jessica Hartman.

Lysistrata Jones is produced by Paula Herold, Alan Wasser, Joseph Smith, Michael McCabe, John Breglio, Takonkiet Viravan/Scenario Thailand, Hilary A. Williams, Broadway Across America and James G. Robinson in association with Tony Meola, Martin McCallum and Marianne Mills.

Visit http://www.lysistratajones.com/

Discount Offer
$79 Orchestra Seats (regularly $127)
$59 Mezz Seats (regularly $.97)

VISIT BroadwayOffers.com (http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=LJNXT79) CALL 212.947.8844 or 
GO TO the Walter Kerr Theatre box office, 219 W 48th St. -
btw Broadway and 8th Ave. and USE CODE LJNXT79.

Offer not valid for performances on Nov. 25-27, 2011 and Dec. 23, 2011-Jan. 1, 2012. Certain other blackout dates may apply. Subject to availability and prior sale and good for performances through Jan. 29, 2012. Not valid on previously purchased tickets and may not be combined with other offers. Applicable only to specified performance dates and times. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Valid on select locations only. Seating restrictions may apply. Telephone/internet orders subject to standard Telecharge.com service fees. When purchasing at box office, present offer prior to ticket inquiry. Offer may be revoked at any time. Limit 19 tickets per person per week. Offer expires Jan. 29, 2012.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: SPIDER-MAN

My son and I shared a milestone experience.  I had the opportunity to take him to see his first Broadway musical, and SPIDER-MAN was the chosen show.  It is a feast for the eyes, and we had a blast! 

SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark (Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris, Producers), wows audience members at the Foxwoods Theater. The show features direction by Philip William McKinley (The Boy From Oz), original direction by Tony® Award-winner Julie Taymor (The Lion King, Across The Universe, Frida), music and lyrics by 22-time Grammy® Award-winners Bono and The Edge, and book co-written by Taymor, Glen Berger (Underneath The Lintel) and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Fantastic Four and Spider-Man comics).

The cast is led by Reeve Carney as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Rebecca Faulkenberry as Mary Jane Watson, Christina Sajous as Arachne, and Patrick Page as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. The cast is stellar, particularly the boyish, raspy-voiced Carney and the comnanding, menacing Page with his demonic laugh and presence. 

Inspired by over 40 years of Marvel comic books, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he's bitten by a genetically altered spider and wakes up the next morning clinging to his bedroom ceiling. This bullied science-geek suddenly endowed with incredible powers soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains put both his physical strength and strength of character to the test.

The sets, staging, lighting and costumes rock!  When Spiderman and Green Goblin fly over you, it's a thrill you won't soon forget.  You can't get enough.  Your kids will love it, and it's a special experience to share.

The creative team includes Daniel Ezralow (Choreography and Aerial Choreography), Chase Brock (Additional Choreography), George Tsypin (Scenic Design), Academy Award®-winner Eiko Ishioka (Costume Design), Tony® Award-winner Donald Holder (Lighting Design), Jonathan Deans (Sound Design), Kyle Cooper (Projection Design), Julie Taymor (Mask Design), Campbell Young Associates/Luc Verschueren (Hair Design), Judy Chin (Makeup Design), Scott Rogers (Aerial Design), Jaque Paquin (Aerial Rigging Design), Howard Werner (Media Design), Louie Zakarian (Prosthetics Design), David Campbell (Arrangements and Orchestrations), Teese Gohl (Music Supervision and Vocal Arrangements), Paul Bogaev (Music Producer), and Kimberly Grigsby (Music Direction and Vocal Arrangements. Casting is by Telsey + Co.

SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark‘s lead producers are Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris. Also producing are Land Line Productions, Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle/Tony Adams, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Norton Herrick and Herrick Entertainment, Billy Rovzar and Fernando Rovzar, Stephen Bronfman, Jeffrey B. Hecktman, Omneity Entertainment/Richard G. Weinberg, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, S2BN Entertainment, Jam Theatricals, The Mayerson/Gould/Hauser/Tysoe Group, Patricia Lambrecht, and Paul McGuinness, by arrangement with Marvel Entertainment.

Tickets for SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark are priced from $67.50 - $147.50, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 250-2929. Tickets are also available at the Foxwoods Theatre box office (213 West 42nd Street. 

Visit http://www.spidermanonbroadway.com/

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: BONNIE AND CLYDE

They were two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere who became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved adventure—and each other. Their names were Bonnie and Clyde. Laura Osnes (Grease, Anything Goes) and Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, West Side Story) star as the 20th century's most infamous duo, as the daring story of love and crime that captured the imagination of a country takes aim at a whole new generation.

Featuring music by Tony® nominee Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde), lyrics by Tony® and Oscar® winner Don Black (Sunset Boulevard) and a book by Emmy® Award nominee Ivan Menchell, this sexy new musical began previews at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street in NYC) on Friday, November 4th and will officially open on Thursday, December 1st.

The cast includes Melissa van der Schyff (Big River) as Blanche Barrow, Claybourne Elder (Road Show) as Buck Barrow, Joe Hart (The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public) as Sheriff Schmid and Louis Hobson (Next to Normal) as Ted Hinton.

Also featured are: Talon Ackerman, Rozi Baker, Leslie Becker, Mimi Bessette, Alison Cimmet, Dan Cooney, Jon Fletcher, Kelsey Fowler, Victor Hernandez, Sean Jenness, Katie Klaus, Michael Lanning, Garrett Long, Matt Lutz, Marissa McGowan, Cassie Okenka, Justin Matthew Sargent, Jack Tartaglia and Tad Wilson.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show.  The cast is stellar. The material compelling.  Osnes is indeed a ravishing redhead, as Bonnie is described by a newspaper, and her voice and presence are lovely, with an angelic sassiness.  Jordan has the voice, looks, charisma and acting chops to have us fully buying into the allure of renegade Clyde.  It was a thrill to watch his star turn performance.

Songs like Dyin' Ain't So Bad, sung beautifully by Osnes, and then also by Jordan, sing the praises of how living a short, but well-lived life can be better than living long and without passion.  How true that is!

Kelsey Fowler and Talon Ackerman did a great job as the young Bonnie and Clyde, and I liked how they popped up at strategic times during the show to remind us of the aspirations of their younger selves.  I found the story more affecting than I expected, as it got me thinking about the dreams of childhood and how they can manifest. 

Menchell's book was both witty and heartfelt.  Not only was the story of these gangsters presented in a grippingly staged manner, but we come to understand the economic climate of the times and the motivation behind their robbing/gun-slinging streak.  Additionally, the impact of Bonnie and Clyde's escapades on their parents was palpably affecting.

The show was minus any big dance numbers, and had a more subtle ending, but you didn' t miss either. It is packed with emotion and energy. The shooting sequences got your blood churning (and the actors...with more fake blood than I've yet to see on stage), and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. Can't think of the last time I did that for a Broadway musical.

Visit BonnieandClydeBroadway.com.

ORDER NOW AND SAVE 40%
Orchestra/Mezzanine (A-E) $79.50 (reg $136.50 – $121.50)
($82.50 on Fri and Sat eves)

Mezzanine (F-H) $69.50 (reg $91.50 – $81.50)

Mezzanine (J-K) $59.50 (reg $71.50 – $66.50)

THREE WAYS TO BUY:

CLICK HERE and use code BCMHL1025

Call 212-947-8844 and mention code BCMHL1025

TICKET GIVEAWAY CONTEST:

Visit: http://www.facebook.com/BonnieClydeMusical?sk=app_150794994973742

If you enter the general sweepstakes, you are entered to win 2 tickets to see BONNIE and CLYDE the Musical. If you get five friends to also enter the contest using your custom link, you are entered to win the Opening Night package including two 2 tickets to the Opening Night performance and official after party.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: FOLLIES

The Kennedy Center’s lavish and landmark new staging of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award®-winning musical FOLLIES is on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre (46th St. between Broadway and 8th) for a limited engagement, complete with its 28-piece orchestra and a cast of 41—led by two-time Tony® winner Bernadette Peters, four-time Tony® nominee Jan Maxwell, two-time Tony® nominee Danny Burstein, three-time Emmy nominee Ron Raines and Olivier Award winner Elaine Paige.

The show is set during a 1971 reunion of performers from the “Weissman Follies,” as the aging showgirls gather at the decaying Weissman show palace before it gets torn down and turned into a car park.  The occasion turns into somewhat of a "pity party," as the former glamour gals attempt to recapture days of youth and weigh life choices.  Slick and sparkly showgirls representing their once youthful selves join the older gals and are often seen parading in the background, reminding us of how quickly time passes.

Though Act I gets off to a slow start, it's not often you see a musical with such depth, complexity and character development. It's a real study in human emotion, whether shared through the crisp dialogue or lyrics of some of Sondheim's most classic, insightful songs.

Peters plays Sally Durant Plummer and Maxwell is Phyllis Rogers Stone, Burstein is Buddy Plummer and Raines is Benjamin Stone. All were stellar, particularly in Act II when they had their solo spotlight performances during show stopping dream sequences.

Sally pines for Ben's love and yearns to become his bride, as Phyl grasps for the fleeting affections of a busboy who isn't sure if he finds her attractive but then admits he does.  Ben struggles to take ownership of his path in life, and Buddy admits to having an affair, yet yearning for the love of Sally who he has always adored.

Completing the Follies cast are Olivier Award winner Paige as Carlotta Campion, Tony nominee Jayne Houdyshell as Hattie Walker, Terri White as Stella Deems, Metropolitan opera star Rosalind Elias as Heidi Schiller, as well as Colleen Fitzpatrick as Dee Dee West, Michael Hayes as Roscoe, Florence Lacey as Sandra Crane, Tony nominee Mary Beth Peil as Solange LaFitte, David Sabin as Dimitri Weismann, Don Correia as Theodore Whitman, Tony Award nominee Susan Watson as Emily Whitman, Frederick Strother as Max Deems, Christian Delcroix as Young Buddy, Nick Verina as Young Ben, Lora Lee Gayer as Young Sally, Kirsten Scott as Young Phyllis and Leah Horowitz as Young Heidi.

The ensemble includes Lawrence Alexander, Brandon Bieber, John Carroll, Mathew deGuzman, Sara Edwards, Leslie Donna Flesner, Jenifer Foote, Suzanne Hylenski, Danielle Jordan, Joseph Kolinski, Amanda Kloots-Larsen, Brittany Marcin, Erin N. Moore, Pamela Otterson, Clifton Samuels, Kiira Schmidt, Brian Shepard, Jessica Sheridan, Amos Wolff and Ashley Yeater.

The production has scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Kai Harada and features Jonathan Tunick's original orchestrations.  Eric Schaeffer directs the production which opened Sept. 12 and continues through Jan. 22, 2012.

It's a show that stays with you long after the curtain goes down.

FOR TICKETS:
To order, use discount code 2BUDDY.

Call: 877-250-2929

Online: Ticketmaster.com http://www.ticketmaster.com/Follies-tickets/artist/852845?CM_MMC=Follies+website-_-Follies-_-landing+page-_-get+tickets

Visit: http://www.folliesbroadway.com/

ROBIN'S SHOW REVIEW: SISTER ACT

Producers Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment present the new Broadway musical SISTER ACT, which began preview performances on March 24, 2011 and officially opened on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Broadway Theater.

SISTER ACT received five 2011 Tony Award nominations: Best Musical, Best Original Score (Alan Menken (music)/ Glenn Slater (lyrics)), Best Book of a Musical (Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane), Best Actress in a Musical (Patina Miller) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Victoria Clark).

The Broadway company of SISTER ACT features Tony Award and Olivier Award-nominee Patina Miller as Deloris Van Cartier, Tony Award-winner Victoria Clark as Mother Superior, Fred Applegate as Monsignor, Sarah Bolt as Sister Mary Patrick, John Treacy Egan as Joey, Demond Green as TJ, Chester Gregory as Eddie, Kingsley Leggs as Curtis, Marla Mindelle as Sister Mary Robert, Audrie Neenan as Sister Mary Lazarus and Caesar Samayoa as Pablo.

The ensemble of SISTER ACT includes: Jennifer Allen, Natalie Bradshaw, Charl Brown, Christina DeCicco, Holly Davis, Madeleine Doherty, Alan H. Green, Blake Hammond, Wendy James, Carrie A. Johnson, Kevin Ligon, Louise Madison, Marissa Perry, Ernie Pruneda, Corbin Reid, Lance Roberts, Rashidra Scott, Jennifer Simard, Lael Van Keuren, Roberta B. Wall and Alena Watters.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won't be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her fabulous disco-ness and killer voice to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon it’s nun-on-the-run time, but she finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood. Based on the mega-hit feature film, SISTER ACT features an original Alan Menken/Glenn Slater score with a vast inspiration of musical styles from Motown, soul and funk to great big disco anthems and Barry White inspired musical comedy.

This is a feel good show, and the cast featuring the uber-talented Patina Miller, brings down the rafters.  You'll laugh, you'll cringe, you'll feel for Deloris, and most of all, there's a real tenderness in her relationship with the sisters who go to lengths to protect and stand up for her. 

I've long been a fan of Alan Menken, and Glenn Slater, and the title song Sister Act in Act II was packed with emotion and depth.  It's a beauty that you'll remember long after the show.

SISTER ACT features an original score with music by multi-Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning composer Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Enchanted), lyrics by Tony and Academy Award-nominee Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid), and a book by multi-Emmy Award winners Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (“Cheers”) with additional book material by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu, The Little Dog Laughed). Directed on Broadway by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks (Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing…Forum, Smokey Joe’s Café), the production features choreography by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia, Bombay Dreams) and is based on the Touchstone Pictures motion picture Sister Act written by Joseph Howard.

SISTER ACT features scenery by Klara Zieglerova, costumes by Lez Brotherston, lighting by Natasha Katz, and sound by John Shivers. The music department includes Musical Supervisor Michael Kosarin, Music Director Brent-Alan Huffman, and orchestrations by Doug Besterman.


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DISCOUNT OFFER -- TO SAVE, USE CODE SANXT719.

SISTER ACT is performed at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) on the following schedule

Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets, ranging in price from $51.50 - $129.50, can be purchased via http://www.telecharge.com/ or by calling 212-239-6200.

For more information, visit http://www.sisteractthemusical/.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: HAIR

New York’s Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director) and Joey Parnes proudly present the Tony Award-winning revival of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, back on Broadway for a 10-week only “Summer of Love” run.

Featuring the cast of the critically acclaimed first national tour and directed by Diane Paulus, HAIR began previews on July 5th at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street, NYC), and the limited engagement  runs through September 10th, 2011.

HAIR’s return to Broadway follows the launch of its successful first national tour of 20 cities in 9 months during the 2010-2011 season and features members of the Central Park tribe, Broadway Revival tribe, London Revival tribe and new tribe members. The full cast includes: Steel Burkhardt (Berger), Paris Remillard (Claude), Matt DeAngelis (Woof), Kaitlin Kiyan (Crissy), Darius Nichols (Hud), Kacie Sheik (Jeanie), Phyre Hawkins (Dionne) and Caren Lyn Tackett (Sheila). The cast also includes: Shaleah Adkisson, Emily Afton, Nicholas Belton, Larkin Bogan, Corey Bradley, Marshal Kennedy Carolan, Laura Dreyfuss, Mike Evariste, Lulu Fall, Tripp Fountain, Nkrumah Gatling, Allison Guinn, Sara King, Josh Lamon, John Moauro, Christine Nolan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Arbender Robinson, Cailan Rose, Tanesha Ross, Jen Sese and Lee Zarrett.

Following Broadway, the HAIR tour will continue across the country. Winner of the of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, and the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle 2009 awards for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, HAIR opened on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to unanimous raves March 31, 2009 and played more than 500 performances before closing on June 27, 2010.

HAIR features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot. The story of a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, HAIR is a timeless portrait of a movement that changed the world.

Featuring such songs as Hair, The Age of Aquarius and Let the Sun Shine, the music is memorable, affecting, energetic and packs a punch, as does the uniformly,hugely talented cast.  A standout for me was Burkhardt as Berger.  Truly magnetic.  You can't take your eyes off him.  The role could not have been better cast.  The tribe would follow him anywhere, and for good reason.

The show was dynamic from beginning to end.  And, the staging pulled in the audience as cast members appeared up and down the aisles and even in the mezzanine. The friend I went with was given fresh daisies by a cast member, and she was delighted. 

HAIR reminds you what musical theatre is all about.  A feel good, yet thought-provoking experience, and one that you won't soon forget.

The creative team also includes Karole Armitage (choreography), Scott Pask (scenic design), Michael McDonald (costume design), Kevin Adams (lighting design) and Acme Sound Partners (sound design).

Tickets for HAIR ($37 - $120) are available via Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200, or in person at the St. James Theatre box office (246 West 44th Street). The schedule is as follows: Monday and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., and Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Visit http://www.hairbroadway.com/ and http://www.hairontour.com/.

JAMIE’S SHOW REVIEW AND TICKET GIVEAWAY: The Ohmies

As a conscientious mother, I’m constantly focused on raising a happy, healthy child, and this past weekend, my daughter, Jayda, and I experienced an amazing musical theater production that supports parents like me in doing just that. Billed as a “one-of-a-kind interactive musical experience for kids ages 3 to 8,” The Ohmies is a lively musical adventure that encourages preschoolers to develop positive skills for good health and well-being.

The show features Bella Butterfly and her little brother, Carlin Caterpillar, two, spirited, colorful characters who take the audience on an engaging learning adventure. When Bella leads her brother—and the audience—in planting a “wish garden,” whereby they plant wish seeds so their wishes can come true, she realizes that Mr. Sun is not yet awake (to warm the earth and help the seeds grow), and sets off to Sweeping Bluff to wake him up. Along the way, she and her brother meet a cast of compelling characters, who all help them get where they need to go—and to achieve their goal.

Children in the audience sit on a large mat in front of the stage, and, wearing only socks on their feet, follow along as Bella teaches everyone to fly like a butterfly—after which Gisbert Grasshopper shows them how to hop far and wide, Sylvio Snake teaches them to slither like a snake, and more—by stretching and jumping, and employing yoga fundamentals like downward dog and butterfly. I was thrilled to watch Jayda laughing and leaping along—and getting a nice little workout while having fun—throughout the entire show.

Along with offering appealing music and infectious interactive fun, The Ohmies also present a bunch of valuable messages to preschoolers: The importance of making friends and working together to achieve signficant goals, as well as getting along with siblings, learning to make healthy choices, and overcoming fears and anxieties. When The Ohmies are distressed, a bunch of dark clouds—The Worries—appear in the sky, but the characters all sing, dance, and laugh them off, and soon realize they can “shake off the worries” to make them go away. I loved this message—and Jayda loved how it was presented.

As Bella tells her friends time and time again, “Besties always help each other,” and the BFFs in this show do more than that—they help preschoolers learn a lot about themselves and the world around them, while having a fantastic time singing, dancing, and enjoying the show.

For more information visit: http://www.theohmies.com/

The Ohmies are performing at:
The Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
June 16 - September 25, 2011
SHOW TIMES: Thursday: 11AM, Saturday: 10AM, 12PM and 3PM, Sunday: 12PM and 3PM
TICKETS: $35
RUNNING TIME: 45 minutes

TO ORDER TICKETS: Online: Visit ticketcentral.com and use code: OHM02 or go to: http://https//www.ticketcentral.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=D280A9AE-A505-4D3C-AD2E-6092A9E4648C&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::promocode_access_code=OHM02
or Phone: (212) 279-4200 Use code: OHMO2
In Person: Print out this offer and bring to the Box Office at the theater 416 West 42nd St.
(Box office opens one hour prior)

WIN FREE TICKETS -- MOTHERHOODLATER OFFER!!! Win four (4) tickets to this amazing show! Drop an email by 8/7 to robin@motherhoodlater.com, and let us know why you'd like to see the show with your family. Put OHMIES in the Subject line. Winner will be notified via email.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: Story Pirates

“The Story Pirates teach kids a love of creative writing. It helps kids to see that their words and ideas are really important. I believe that what the Story Pirates are doing is helping America.   It's crazy entertaining." – Jon Stewart, The Daily Show

While many children’s theater troupes tell stories to children, the Story Pirates believe every child has a story to tell. This arts and education, based in both New York and Los Angeles, organization exists entirely because of kids. The group of first-rate comedians and teaching artists uses stories written by elementary students as source material for over the-top musical comedy sketches. Adding songs, props, music videos and puppets, they bring to life on stage what children scribble down on paper.

The Story Pirates won’t make you walk the plank; however, they will challenge your child's imagination and prove that his or her words are powerful tools worth celebrating. At a typical show, story topics run the gamut, from kung-fu ninja babies fighting crime to the eternal love between the devil and a guy she meets at Starbucks. It’s a world where cats sometimes fly and Tickle Monsters dominate the world. At every show, Story Pirates perform brand new stories by kids in the audience.

Founded in 2003, Story Pirates has grown to reach hundreds of thousands of children each year all around the country. Through in-school creative writing workshops and assemblies that focus on the power of communication and self-expression, Story Pirates’ goal is to provide children with the tools to become confident, literate students, and to encourage them to develop into more thoughtful and passionate writers, in and out of school.

Story Pirates CEO Benjamin Salka describes the Story Pirates show as "genuinely funny. It's not condescending. It's smart, it's silly – It’s our world, unfiltered, as only children could imagine.”

I had the opportunity to attend the 3rd annual After School Special this weekend, a fundraiser in NYC at Peter Norton Symphony Space, for Story Pirates, and it was my family's introduction to the performers.  This particular show also featured such celebrities as Jon Stewart, Ana Gasteyer (SNL) , Josh Gad (Book of Moron), rocker Lou Reed, and more.  It was directed by Lee Overtree, with music composed and directed by the Eli Bolin.  

The theatre was packed, with kids and adults, and I loved knowing that the money raised was going to support such a cool artistic cause.  The Story Pirates, including their band, are a hugely witty and talented troupe, and while it's hard to single out any particular skit, the one that stands out in my mind was short but hysterial.  It featured Josh Gad (who has a lovely voice) singing the catchy tune about Ed who wets his bed.  I still chuckle when I think of it.  And, I always enjoy Jon Stewart and Ana Gasteyer, though I would have loved more of both of them.  It was sweet to see them there with their respective children in the audience.

If you have yet to experience Story Pirates, and your child has a love of writing and/or story telling, take note of their performance schedule below.

          (Jon Stewart performing with puppets from Story Pirates)

Show Schedule
Weekly each Saturday at 2pm at The Drama Book Shop in NYC.  Tickets are $15 online at http://www.storypirates.org/

Education Programs
Story Pirates works with over 150 schools each year from coast to coast. For more information, email: info@storypirates.org.or phone (347) 878-6798.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a world-class con artist who passed himself off as a doctor, a lawyer and a jet pilot all before the age of 21. With straight-arrow FBI agent Carl Hanratty on Frank's trail, it's a jet-setting, cat-and-mouse chase as a jazzy, swinging-sixties score keeps this adventure in constant motion. In the end, Agent Hanratty learns he and Frank aren't so different after all, and Frank finds out what happens when love catches up to a man on the run.

Based on the book and hit 2002 DreamWorks film of the same name directed by Stephen Spielberg with screenplay by Jeff Nathanson and book by Frank Abagnale, Jr., CATCH ME IF YOU CAN has some truly standout performances.

Fast-rising Broadway headliner AARON TVEIT (Next to Normal, Wicked) stars as Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than a boyish charm, a big imagination, strapping good looks and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank lives the high life and wins the heart of nurse Brenda Strong, the girl of his dreams (played by Tony® nominee KERRY BUTLER (Xanadu, Hairspray). Tony winner and Broadway fave NORBERT LEO BUTZ (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Wicked) plays Carl Hanratty, the dogged FBI agent who chases Frank to the end and finds something he never expected. And Tony nominee TOM WOPAT (Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago) returns to Broadway as Frank, Sr., who sees his dreams of making it big lived out in his son's fantastic adventures.

The cast of showgirls and others includes Joe Cassidy, Timothy McCuen Piggee, Brandon Wardell, Jennifer Frankel, Lisa Gajda, Bob Gaynor, Kearran Giovanni, Nick Kenkel, Grasan Kingsberry, Aleks Pevec, Kristin Piro, Rachelle Rak (a knockout who I've long enjoyed in various shows), Joe Aaron Reid, Angie Schworer, Sabrina Sloan, Sarrah Strimel and Katie Webber.

This was the first Broadway musical we took my son (age 8) to see, and it was a treat to experience it through his eyes.  It was right up his alley, given his love of everything rescue or security-related, including an intrigue with the FBI.  He was especially interested to hear that this is a true story and that Abagnale Jr. went on to work for the FBI and the very man who arrested him.  He would have loved a car chase or two, but enjoyed the gun shooting action and aisle chases.   

Butz is one of my favorite Broadway performers, and he delivers in CATCH ME.  In "Don't Break the Rules," he transforms his stellar voice and mannerisms to reflect a weather-beaten guy FBI agent, and it's a showstopper. He's such a talent, and if you're not familiar with his work, this is an excellent opportunity to see him in rare form, though I would have liked more.

ACT II was great.  Linda Hart as Carol Strong (Brenda's mother) offered winning comic relief when Frank meets Brenda's parents, and Kerry Butler blew it out of the park with "Fly, Fly, Away."   I would have welcomed more of her as well.  "Our Family Tree" was delightful, and Tveit showed off his pipes to their utmost with "Good-Bye." 

I wasn't enamored with the orchestra being visible at times on the stage, though the concept of Abagnale Jr.'s life being one big show had validity.  It just felt like I was watching two shows in one, and my preference was the less glammed up version.

CATCH ME features a Tony Award-winning team with a book by TERRENCE McNALLY (The Full Monty, Ragtime), a score by MARC SHAIMAN and SCOTT WITTMAN (Hairspray), choreography by JERRY MITCHELL (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) and direction by JACK O'BRIEN (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). 

Scenic design is by David Rockwell (Hairspray), costume design is by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers), lighting design is by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Wicked) and sound design is by Drama Desk winner Steve Kennedy (Jersey Boys).

The set and staging were well done, and overall, it's an enjoyable theatre experience.  I look forward to sharing future Broadway shows with my son, and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN got us off to a good start.  

DISCOUNT OFFER
SAVE OVER 40%
GET TICKETS FOR JUST:
$65* $77*
(Mid Mezz) (Orch/Front Mezz)
(Reg. $92-$137 – SAVE OVER 40%!)

CLICK HERE: http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/1515546?
Or call 877-250-2929 and use code MHOOD1
Or, bring a print out of this offer to the Neil Simon Theatre box office,
250 W. 52nd Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

Box Office Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

Performance Schedule:
Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 8pm, Wed and Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm

CLICK HERE for tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/030045549CFD747D?artistid=1515546&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=207

CLICK HERE for a sneak peek: http://catchmethemusical.com/video.html
Visit http://www.catchmethemusical.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/catchmethemusical
Twitter: http://twitter.com/catchmemusical
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/catchmethemusical

*Offer valid for all performances through 7/31/11. All prices include a $2.00 facility fee. Limit 8 tickets per order. Offer subject to availability and prior sale. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice.

ROBIN'S SHOW RECOMMENDATION: BABY IT'S YOU! Ticket Giveaway

BABY IT'S YOU! is an original Broadway musical based on the empowering true story of Florence Greenberg, a suburban housewife and mother from New Jersey, who discovered one of the greatest girl groups of all time, The Shirelles, and created Scepter Records, becoming the music industry's first female powerhouse.

Created by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, the team behind Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet, and starring Tony Award®-winning actress Beth Leavel, BABY IT'S YOU! features non-stop pop and rock 'n' roll classics such as "Dedicated To The One I Love," "Duke Of Earl," "He's So Fine," "It's My Party," "Louie Louie," "Mama Said," "Shout," "Sixteen Candles," "Twist and Shout" and many more.

Before Motown and the British Invasion, one woman took the male-dominated recording industry by storm and revolutionized pop music forever. After discovering the four teenage girls who would go on to become major superstars, Florence Greenberg launched the careers of such groundbreaking musical sensations as The Isley Brothers, B.J. Thomas, The Kingsmen, Chuck Jackson, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, and Dionne Warwick, among many others.

I had the opportunity to see the show last night, and I must admit, the story caught me by surprise...in a good way!  As a suburban stay at home mom myself (though I do work from home), I could fully relate to Florence's yearning for more (once her two kids were grown), and her desire to bust loose from a predictable daily lifestyle, complete with care-taking and chores.

Her journey from homemaker to record mogul is brave and inspiring and made me want to get to know her even more.  The mom in me would have liked to see further exploration of her somewhat challenging relationship with her children....just goes to show you that, as women, it's not easy to have it all. At the end of the day, we make choices and live with the consequences.

The entire cast was terrific, and Leavel delivers a powerhouse, heartfelt performance packed with raw emotion and appeal worthy of a Tony nomination.  I enjoyed her chemistry with sexy song scribe, hitmaker Luther Dixon, played by polished performer Allan Louis.  And, Brandon Uranowitz demonstrated his versatility juggling a variety of roles impressively, including that of  Florence's blind son.  Loved his voice!  Christina Sajous, Crystal Starr Knighton, Kyra Da Costa and Erica Ash didn't miss a beat as The Shirelles.

The costumes were gorgeous, and the set and staging were well done. It's a fun couples or girls night out....and at the end....the theatre turned into a party with the audience dancing in the aisles and at their seats.  If you need a break from the everyday, and who doesn't?!....check out  BABY IT'S YOU!.

DISCOUNT OFFER:

Click here: http://tinyurl.com/4djboto or call 212-947-8844 and use code BBBW213

DETAILS:

Saturday matinees and evenings and Sunday matinees: Select Orchestra and Front Mezzanine: $66 - $76.50
Mezzanine rows K - L: $40
All other performances: Select Orchestra and Front Mezzanine: $66 - $76.50
Mezzanine rows K - L: $40

*All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. This offer is valid for all performances from 3/26/11 through 5/29/11 excluding 4/27/11. 9 ticket limit.

NOTE: FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY -- To enter to win free tickets to see the show in April (through 4/23), drop me a note by midnight, April 3rd-- robin@motherhoodlater.com  sharing why you'd like to see the musical. If you won, you will be notified via email.  Pls put in the subject line BABY IT'S YOU.