Introduction to New Music

So for this post here, I'm gonna introduce you guys to some music you may have not heard before. They are all by theatre actors, and most are a part of different solo albums. I hope I can broaden your musical horizons.

The first song I'd like to show you is Runnin' Out Of Days, by Shoshana Bean for her soon to be released album. Often described as 'a fresh take on vintage soul', it's worth a listen.

The second is called Beautiful Eyes, written by one of my personal idols Alice Ripley. In my opinion, the song has a bit of a bluesy feel.

From Funny Girl, sung by the incomparable Barbra Streisand-Don't Rain On My Parade is a classic. If you haven't heard it sung on Glee, I recommend listening.

I've talked about Kerry Ellis in one of my previous posts. Brilliantly talented British theatre actress, recently released a solo album. This song is called Dangerland, and it's one of my favorites.

Romeo and Juliet-My Experiences

So I know it's not 'official Broadway stuff' like my blog states, but I want to share about my production of Romeo and Juliet. First of all-when the drama club announced that we were doing this play, I was pretty excited. As far as regular plays go, this is one I was the most familiar with. So I decided to audition.

I absolutely knew I would not get a speaking role (there were only four female speaking parts and the upperclassman get first priority), but I gave it all I had. I auditioned for Lady Capulet, Juliet's mother-and I felt like I did a decent job. As was expected-I was casted the chorus, and I wasn't disappointed because I knew it was coming.

Anyway-the whole journey has been somewhat surreal and astonishing. Our rehearsal schedule was somewhat wacky-Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:45-9:30 at night-with the top cast having even more practices. It was very tiring some times, but I had a lot of fun.

This last week has been pretty tiring. It's production week or as we call it-"Hell Week". Final dresses on Monday and Tuesday from 6:30-10:30, and shows Wenesday night, Thirsday night, Friday morning and night from 5:30-20:45. Needless to say I'm a bit tired. Our drama club had a sleepover at school after Friday's show, and I haven't slept in over 24 hours.

We have a night show tonight, and a matinee tomorrow. Hopefully they'll go well. It's been a process, but our drama club is truly amazing and filled with extremely talented actors. I'll miss the show, Romeo and Juliet is a classic and a great one to do for my first high school production. But...auditions for Oklahoma are in a month so I won't have to miss drama for too long.

Kerry Ellis and Her New Album

          So-Kerry Ellis. Amazing, amazing, amazing theatre acrress. She's English (coming from a small town near Suffolk), and is extremely very talented. Kerry is best known for her portrayals of Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked, was the original Meat in London's We Will Rock You, was in Oliver!, Miss Saigon, and Chess.

          Anyway-most people who know of Kerry (and in my opinion, it's not enough), know her for musical theatre. Now that she has released her new album entitled "Anthems" , hopefully the number of people who are aware of her talent will grow.

          Anthems, is a truly great album. It has a very unique sound-one that you don't hear too often. Recommended songs: 'Defying Gravity' (a twist on the one you hear in the musical), and 'Dangerland'

Tomorrow, Tomorrow-It's Always A Day Away

        Maybe far away, or maybe real near bye. Annie will come back to Broadway...maybe. Ok-so those aren't the real lyrics to the popular song 'Maybe' from the musical Annie. But it was in the minds of many fans of the musical, and the movies-including myself. The show is finally coming back to the City of Lights (NYC, and also the name of my blog)-and it's created quite the buzz.

          Lilla Crawford is set to play the main character-Annie, the redheaded orphan; and Katie Finneran is to play Miss Hannigan. The show opens on November 8th at the Palace Theater. 

          

Frankenstorm Thwarts Idina Menzel's Concert Plans

Idina Menzel

          As we all know-Hurricane Sandy (nicknamed 'Frankenstorm' by many people) swept the east coast in a whirlwind that caused many Broadway shows to be cancelled as a safety precaution. That included actress/singer Idina Menzel's concert, which was to be performed at Carnegie Hall on October 29.

          Due to the so called "Frankenstorm", Ms. Menzel's concert was rescheduled for November 4th. But-unfortunately the concert was rescheduled a second time, and will now be held at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage on January 13, 2013.