It is always a shock when a fan meets the object of their fandom. However, when you are the object of the fan to whom you are also a fan, the mutual fandom is off the chain. I recently met the amazing Tony Award nominated composer/lyricist, Michael John LaChiusa , at the after party for the premiere of the film adaptation of his musical, HELLO AGAIN. He promised to come to the studio and do a proper interview with me. So please click HERE and enjoy my conversation with the amazing, Michael John LaChiusa.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available on Itunes later this week. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast. Also visit me on Broadway World's Featured Podcast Page.
Max Crum & Lucy DeVito from the new Off Broadway Comedy, Hot Mess.
Just recently, I was able to sit and chat with the stars of an upcoming Off Broadway play, entitled HOT MESS. The absolutely adorable and talented, Max Crumm and the equally fabulous and talented, Lucy DeVito, star in this funny piece, along with Paul Molnar. Written by comedians, Dan Rothenberg and Colleen Crabtree, HOT MESStakes a look at another side of new relationships with a wrinkle. Both actors bring not only their talent, but they also are both from a nice lineages of performers. The play officially opens on 11/16 and certainly can be added to your Holiday Theater trips. Click on the picture to hear the interview with these wonderful talents. For more information about HOT MESS, click HERE.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available on Itunes later this week. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast. Also visit me on Broadway World's Featured Podcast Page.
I get so many opportunities to chat with so many fantastic people. Last week, I got the chance to work the purple car[pet for the 2017 Only Make Believe Gala honoring Josh Groban. I immediately had to leave and rush downtown to Chelsea's RetroBar NYC to catch up with the creatives behind the latest movie musical adaptation of Michael John LaChiusa's HELLO AGAIN. It was an insanely fun evening. I hope that you enjoy listening to my evening adventure. Click on the pics to hear the fun.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available on Itunes later this week. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast. Also visit me on Broadway World's Featured Podcast Page.
It is so exciting to see that people even listen to my interviews, read my blog posts, watch some of my videos, and even share them with their friends. After reviewing the stats for the podcast, it seems that there are small pockets in other parts of the world that are actually listening. Places as far away as Amsterdam, the Phillipines, Australia, United Kingdom, are just a few places that are actually showing signs of listening to the podcast. I love that people around the world are enjoying it all. So as a treat to them, and to those who dare, here are 2 episodes where I recently had the chance to talk to the internationally known artists: Multi-award winning, Chinese, singer/songwriter, Jonathan Lee, and the amazing gender-bending, actor/singer/performance artist, Sven Ratzke.
Adapted from the novel by internationally acclaimed author Li Xiuwen, Road to Heaven: The Jonathan Lee Musical is happening. The original musical will feature music by one of China's most iconic singer-songwriters, and through a translator, I was able to talk to him about this amazing project. It will feature English lyrics by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr., (Ain't MIsbehavin', Miss Saigon, Fosse), book by John Dempsey (The Pirate Queen, The Witches of Eastwick), and direction by Eric Schaeffer (Gigi, Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Don Frantz (Disney's The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast) is executive producer. Click the pic above to hear our brief conversation.
My international cup also ran over when the amazing Sven Ratzke stopped by the studios in the middle of his worldwide tour, HOMME FATALE, to chat with me. He visited me last year during his STARMAN CD tour, and we laughed and bonded in such a great way that I had to have him again. He is so much fun, and his new show pushes your boundaries, and He LOVES it. Please take a moment and get your taste of artists from around the world, right here on my little podcast. For my international listeners, especially those in Amsterdam and China, this one is for you.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available on Itunes later this week. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast. Also visit me on Broadway World's Featured Podcast Page.
Now that Halloween is over, and Thanksgiving gets its usual brush off in hopes that St. Nicholas will soon appear, tis the season to see theater in New York City. Many of you make trips to New York City to shop and sometimes see shows. Well, I recently went to a press event for an upcoming holiday show that will be nothing like you expect. It's called "Who's Holiday", written by Matthew Lombardo, directed by Carl Andresss, and starring the insanely fabulous and fierce, Olivier Award winning comic actress, singer, dancer, Lesli Margherita. I had the great fortune to sit with them and talk about this insanely funny take on the popular children's character, Cyndi Lou Who. After LOTS of litigation, Mr. Lombardo can now present this show which takes Cyndi 40 years into the future, and YES, she is having a bit of a time with life. Check out my conversations with the creatives and Queen Lesli by clicking on the picture of them.
Now, if you want to make a little bit of a social impact and get some theater at the same time, the adorable and super talented, actor, director, singer, dancer, videographer, editor, and producer, Andrew Keenan-Bolger is starring in a modern and new holiday show, Kris Kringle The Musical. Along with Kim Crosby, Cathy Rigby, Pamela Myers, and a wonderful assortment of Broadway talent, this cast is performing this show for the charity, The Singing Angels November 24, 2017, at The Town Hall for 2 SHOWS ONLY, 3pm and8pm. The Singing Angels Mission is "To encourage, foster and cultivate positive youth development by engaging youth from all communities in quality music and performing arts education that teaches discipline, builds confidence, and provides a foundation for life — Making Music, Making Friends, Making a Difference." If you cannot attend the event, then think about making a small contribution to the organization, and do your part to SAVE THE ARTS. Click the pic to hear my conversation with the amazing Andrew Keenan Bolger.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available on Itunes later this week. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast. Also visit me on Broadway World's Featured Podcast Page.
Actor, opera singer, songwriter, Christiaan Smith, is finally making his mama proud by gracing the stage at Carnegie Hall. With a rebellious determination, it is truly practice, practice, practice, that helped Christiaan make it this far. He plans to do a concert entitled Songs We Know. His rich classically trained baritone voice on some of today's contemporary songs, as well as a few originals. He makes his debut on November 18th. Go to Christiaan Smith's website for more information on how to get tickets. Click HERE and enjoy my conversation with this fantastic talent.
Photo credit SHERVIN LAINEZ
Photo by SHERVIN LAINEZ
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available on Itunes later this week. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast. Also visit me on Broadway World's Featured Podcast Page.
I love to go to press junkets to bring fun moments to everyone that listens to this podcast. It really is my attempt to bring you along with me. On this trip, I went to the press call for upcoming 25th Anniversary Gala for the Abingdon Theatre Company. They are doing a special presentation of Kander and Ebb's And The World Goes 'Round, as well as honoring 2x Emmy and Tony Award Winning actress, Bebe Neuwirth.
I got to the chance to chat with some of the cast, Brenda Braxton, Nick Adams, Cunio, and Katie Thompson, as well as, Choreographer Deidre Goodwin, and Director Chad Austin. We talk about not only the gala, but somewhere in the middle we talk about how important theater REALLY is.
Please click HERE enjoy my conversations with these amazingly fabulous folks.
From L to R: Cunio, Brenda Braxton, Katie Thompson, and Nick Adams
Deidre Goodwin & Chad Austin, Choreographer and Director, respectively
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview is available now. If you are neither a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
There are days when I have to pinch myself to the things that I get lucky enough to cover. Most recently, I was invited to see a new show that is being produced by Academy/Grammy/Tony Award winning, lyricist/composer/producer, Stephen Schwartz, in a partnership with Princess Cruise Lines. The production, BORN TO DANCE, is conceived and directed by the very charming and accomplished, Daniel C. Levine, and fiercely choreographed by Al Blackstone.This is Mr, Schwartz's second collaboration with the Princess Cruise Lines, after the success of their previous production, MAGIC TO DO.
This show is the opportunity for the creative teams to make something that is not only new, but also theatrically thrilling, and it gives the passengers a unique performance experience. I had the great fortune to not only chat with the both director and choreographer, but I even got some time with Mr. Schwartz. Please click HERE and enjoy my conversations recorded aboard the Regal Princess in the 1000 seat floating theater. I need to go on a cruise really soon.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview is available now. If you are not a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
As many members of the LGBT rejoiced at the return of NBC's Will & Grace last week, some theater lovers were equally if not more excited at the announcement of the revival of Howard Crabtree's WHEN PIGS FLY. While both of these shows debuted in the same year, I have to admit that I was honestly MORE excited to hear that a small piece of LGBT theatrical history was returning to the stage. Unfortunately, due to issues with financing, the latter will not be seen, and a generation of theater goers, both hetero and LGBT, will miss the opportunity to laugh and learn about some of the joys and pains of being in the LGBT population in America.
I went to the major press event for the show and managed to secure some fab interview moments with the entire cast and some of the creatives, including a moment with the AMAZING MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Costume Designer, Bob Mackie. HE was excited to get to add some of his panache to this wonderful show. In its time, Howard Crabtree'S WHEN PIGS FLY, tried to inject some satirical humor in the discourse about the state of the LGBT population in America at the time, like WILL & GRACE's intention. The only difference to me is that eventually Will & Grace's impact lost steam, once it became so popular to the masses. It seemed to say that if we, as members of the LGBT population, can make America feel comfortable enough to laugh with us, then maybe they can be more tolerant of us, perhaps see us as human. Some of that may be true, but who wants to simply be "tolerated"?
My Blatino Brother in Arms, FRANK VIVEROS
At the time of these shows, there was still discrimination at work, no such thing as Same Sex Marriage, and of course, who would have a thought there would be a viable African-American presidential contender that was NOT the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. This show took the country's temperature, gave it a few Tylenol, and hoped for some of the homophobic fever would break. Since that time there has been a lot of great changes, but somehow in 2017, we seem to have fallen back into an abyss of ignorance and intolerance.
Tony and Chita Award nominated choreographer and friend in my head, Denis Jones.
In any case, I loved meeting that cast, and I still LOVE Harold Crabtree's WHEN PIGS FLY. I was beyond excited to see that within the cast, the addition of Frank Viveros ALSO showed that there is just a little bit more room for ALL of us under the rainbow. The public face of LGBT has changed tremendously in the last 20 years to include people who look like me, too. I hope that Will & Grace will step up their diversity game soon, as they now have the attention of the world again. If the producers of Will & Grace have a few extra dollars and looking to support something, then they should help WHEN PIGS FLY. They could help another generation discover this great piece.
It's a shame that no one will get to see these fab people do their stuff.
Who knew that Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, OBIE Award Winning, 3x Tony Award nominated, Lyricist/Composer, David Yazbek, and Emmy Award Winning, comedian, writer, actor, Ted Greenberg, were best friends? Who would have thought after all of these years that these best friends would be simultaneously having their art represented on New York City stages around the same time? Ted Greenberg is currently in previews for his one man show, ACE. Soon to start previews will be his co-conspirator & best friend's show, The Band's Visit.
They both sat with me to chat about their journeys as comedians and artists, their upcoming projects, and being best friends to this day. Check out my conversation with these amazingly talented, hysterically funny, and very cool guys. Please click HERE enjoy my interview with these amazing best friends.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview is available now. If you are not a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
Seasoned Broadway General Manager, Peter Bogyo, takes some time out of his insanely busy schedule to talk to me about his new book, BROADWAY GENERAL MANGER: Demystifying the Most Important and Least Understood Role in Show Business. He gives so much insight to the inner workings of a job that many people know exists, but have no clue of its depth. The breath of knowledge, as well as, the amount of information that you have to keep in your head at any one given instance, is astounding. Check out my interview with him HERE, and go get a copy of the book.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview is available now. If you are not a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
Of course to use some of the phrases like the "cats pajamas" or "hip cat", feels like something from the beatnik period, but highly sought after Music Producer/Conductor/Arranger, James Sampliner, is exactly that. I first met James when he was the musical director for Tony Award nominated actor, Rob McClure's show, SMILE. I quickly learned of his work and relationship with the world of Musical Theater. His relationship with some of Broadway's most talented people is extensive. His most recent collaboration with Grammy and Tony Award winning music producer, actor, singer, director, playwright, Billy Porter, on The Soul of Richard Rogers is AMAZING.
Currently he is the Assistant Conductor for the show, PRINCE OF BROADWAY. Which, if you are keeping up with me, then you know already know how much I LOVE that show, too. He talks about some of his favorite memories of meeting Stephen Sondheim, working for Hal Prince, and so much more. The names that are swirling in his rolodex (I know old school) are enough to make any Broadway lover faint. Please enjoy my 2 part conversation with the fabulous, James Sampliner.
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview is available now. If you are not a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
Comedian, actress, Comedy Central roaster, fellow podcaster, and now playwright, Lisa Lamapanelli, takes time out of her busy schedule of touring and writing to talk to me about her upcoming Off Broadway Play, STUFFED. We talk about her transition stepping into the writer's arena from being a comedian, as well as owning and dealing with her food issues. Lisa also talks to me about her latest expansion into the podcast world. It's a joy to chat with not only a talented and committed artist, but truly a friend. Click HERE and enjoy my conversation with Ms. Lisa Lampanelli. Also, find out more about Lisa's podcast, GET STUFFED
If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview is available now. If you are not a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
Me just hanging in the Harnick's Living Room. (photo credit Sean Katz)
There are always moments that happen in your life that make you take pause and assess exactly where, what, and how they manifest. Last week, I get an email asking if I would like to interview the great, multi-award winning (Pulitzer Prize, Tony, Grammy, etc) lyricist, Sheldon Harnick and his wife, celebrated Photographer, actress, singer, dancer, Margery Harnick, about her book of photography that she has done with their son, Matthew. What do you say? Um, Yeah?
For those of you who know me, you know that I may have maintained a somewhat professional demeanor, but I was doing somersaults inside. This was an honor to chat with them both. Here are some clips from the interview. If you are already a subscriber AND a podcast supporter through Patreon, then you have probably heard some if not all of the interview by now. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, then the interview will be available later this week, 8/30/17. If you are not a subscriber nor a patron to the podcast, then SUBSCRIBE FREE to KEITH PRICE'S CURTAIN CALL on Itunes and Google Play Music, YOU TUBE and leave a review. Click the image below to Support Keith Price's Curtain Call Podcast.
Thanks for listening, and stay tuned this week for my conversation with the amazing Sheldon Harnick and his equally amazing and fabulous wife, Margery. Thank you so much for your support on all fronts.
It has now been a few days since my date with the first Broadway Musical to hit the Rialto, Manhattan Theater Club's production of PRINCE OF BROADWAY at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater. The show opened tonight. This beautiful retrospective is a small representation of the genius that is the multi-award winning, celebrated, theatrical Producer/Director, Hal Prince. I cannot even tell you the joy that I had just hearing the overture. This show has absolutely everything a musical theater fan will want. It is the best list of greatest hits of Broadway, performed by an absolutely top notched cast. There might be a tad bit of bias, because of the 9 member cast, I have had the pleasure of interviewing 6 of them ( Chuck Cooper, Emily Skinner,Tony Yazbeck, Michael Xavier, Karen Ziemba and Brandon Uranowitz) in some shape or form for the podcast. These folks bring the heat that only performers of their high caliber and pedigrees can bring. Of course after reading their bios, I have seen the remaining cast (Janet Decal, Kaley Ann Voorhees, and Bryonha Marie Parham) in other pieces, but this is the first time that I got to see them really have their moments, and boy do they.
The source material for this show has some of Harold Prince's biggest Broadway hits, and they have one of the best cast and creative teams to pull it all together. Mr. Prince's direction, along with Susan Stroman's co direction and choreography, William Ivey Long's Costumes, Beowolf Boritt's scene design, Jason Robert Brown's new arrangements and James Sampliner working his magic, as well, make a night of musical theater fantasy. I will say that almost coming to tears during the overture may have been a little overreaction, but when I heard those songs, I was instantly transported to being that crazy, sometimes misunderstood kid that loved musical theater at a time and in a place where it was very difficult to express your love of shows like Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, Company, Evita, and not get a LOT of side eyes and whispers. PRINCE OF BROADWAY fixes that for me, and makes me ask the obvious question: When does the cast recording emerge? Here are my first impressions while seeing the show.
I do not want to give anything away, EXCEPT, that each and every cast member not only gets to shine in their own moments, but they are also support for each others' numbers, as well. I will also note that as we continue to have this conversation about diversity, the presence of Tony Award Winner Chuck Cooper and newcomers to me, Bryohna Marie Parham and Janet Dacal, is NOT an accident. These 3 magnificent performers, not only get the opportunity to perform some classic hits from the Great White Way that may not ever been offered to them under traditional casting, but they still find moments to make them their own, yet respect the integrity of the characters.
From L to R: Michael Xavier, Emily Skinner, Chuck Cooper, Karen Ziembe, Tony Yazbeck, Brandon Uranowitz, Bryohna Marie Parham. Not pictured, Janet Dacal, Kaley Ann Voorhees.
Even on that stage with those veterans, the newcomers (to me) held their own. You will never hear "Cabaret", "Buenos Aires", or even a magnificent moment from Tony Award winning veteran, Chuck Cooper's Sweeney Todd section, without adding a whole new perspective to the greatness of these songs. In addition to those memories, you will NEVER forget seeing someone like Tony Award Nominee, Tony Yazbeck, show you how being a triple threat is done, or 2x Tony Award Nominee, Brandon Uranowitz, recreating the Emcee from CABARET and just knocking out of the park, or Tony Award Nominee, Emily Skinner, not only serves it up in "Ladies Who Lunch" and then just slays you with "Send InThe Clowns", and Tony Award Winner, Karen Ziemba, is singing in 2 accents, and I am only scratching at the surface of the FABULOUSNESS that this show is offering. This show is the first musical of the season, and the bar has been set for theater excellence. In my opinion, this show falls somewhere between revival and new musical, which means everything that is coming after August 24th will really have to bring something special to the table come Tony Awards nomination time. If you are someone that loves musical theater, then this show is like a buffet of delicious desserts with no calories. If you know someone who wants an introduction to some of the best all at once, then this is the best Musicals 101 survey course EVER!!!!! Get your tickets now, or you will be mad. Maybe the producers will create a second show that will encompass the other 30+ shows that did not make the cut, Prince of Broadway 2, anyone?
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Upon first meeting playwright, construction maven, and producer, Bobby Goldman, you cannot help but to be blown away by her charm, her moxie, and her joi de vivre. To think that this woman was married to famed Academy Award Winning, Tony Award nominated writer, James Goldman, who after his passing, decided to reinvent her life. Her reinvention included reconnecting to the new world, and boy she really does it right. She has the cute apartment, the successful career, a wonderful legacy to protect, and a new life of choices to make. The new Off Broadway musical, CURVY WIDOW, with a book by Bobby Goldman, music and lyrics by Drew Brody, under the fun direction of Peter Flynn, tells the honest, funny, travails, of a new widow doing what the kids are doing, and actually having more fun than she could have imagined.
TonyAward Nominee, Nancy Opel, takes the lead of this show and runs with it. We are taken on a fun and funny ride through the world of dating and more, along with our protagonist. At every turn along this piece, there is heart, humor, soul, and a little tough truth about what it means to be at the precipice of change in your life, no matter your age or circumstances. This is really the core of the show. I had the marvelous opportunity to speak to the show's director, book writer, composer/lyricist, and two cast members, Nancy Opel and Aisha de Haas. Click HERE to enjoy my conversations with some of the cast and creatives of this fun musical. This is a fabulously talented ensemble piece that also includes, Andrea Bianchi, Elizabeth Ward Land, Ken Land, Alan Muraoka, and Chris Shyer.
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I have the privilege of talking to so many people about their lives, their work, and so much more, and every now and then, you will hear a story of someone's life and be filled with so many emotions. In Chesney Snow's THE UNWRITTEN LAW, Award winning actor, world class beat boxer, playwright, relives some of those painful stories that he shared with me in our interview at Dixon Place. To hear them again, with even more details complemented with music, dance and projections, takes this dramatic performance art piece to the next level. I got the chance to talk to Chesney when he first workshopped it back in January while interviewing him during his stint in Broadway's IN TRANSIT. Click HERE to hear that interview. He spoke a lot about life before performing. To say that my mouth was agape during our conversation, is an understatement.
Mr. Snow's life journey is truly one of those that needs to be highlighted. Some might think simplistically about the piece, saying things like "it's the make lemonade out of life's lemons", or "finding some sense of freedom through the arts", or even "the struggles of black men, women, and their families", but there is sooooooo much more to it. The people and places that Mr. Snow introduces his audience in this piece reveal the painful journey of his family, through some of America's more chaotic times when it came to race relations. Not to give anything away, but because of the turbulent times in Chesney's family history, the title of the show is born. He even dedicates this show to his grandmother, GG, and his cousin B Fresh. Trust me. The show will explain why there is such reverence.
Serving "Cat Daddy" Realness with a view: Chesney Snow
Director and choreographer, Rebecca Arends, uses her history of dance to not only augment Chesney's words, but in my opinion, it also helps to enhance the sting of the actual events that he recalls. Dancer, Winston Dynamite Brown, embodies many of the males in the playwright's history with brilliant physical movement. A.J. Shaw and Varuni Tiruchelvam add the musical elements with piano and cello elegantly. Of course, no show with world renowned Human Beat Boxer, Chesney Snow can be complete without dropping a few beats.
Chesney Snow- Dashing Mentor for Rosie's Kids PASSING IT ON
For the theater fans of large spectacles, or the occasional once or twice a year visit, this might not be the show for you, unless you want to be challenged. It will require you to be engaged in a way that something like Hello Dolly does not, and as the kids say, "No Tea. No Shade." However, if you are the avid and adventurous theater goer, especially those that see the beauty in performance art, then this show is absolutely something to be included in your theater going cannon. There are 4 Sunday/Monday performances left. Click herefor more ticket information, and to hear my most recent conversation with Chesney Snow, click HERE. Continue to support live theater wherever you are.
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