Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: April 7, 2024
By: Laura Deni
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THE WHO'S TOMMY RETURNS TO AGAIN ROCK BROADWAY

Sure the sound can melt your ear wax, but it can also make your blood course while Pinball Wizard makes it's statement about the psychological damage causes by trauma.

Tommy the rock opera by The Who is staging it's first Broadway revival.

With a story by Who guitarist/composer-lyricist Peter Townshend and Des McAnuff who makes the production his own through his inspired directing - the original which was based on the Who's 1969 rock opera concept album; first adapted into the 1975 movie starring The Who's lead singer and co-founder Roger Daltrey, and in 1993, a quarter-century after the album's release, a stage adaptation made its debut on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards for the show and a Grammy for the original cast recording.

Based on The Who's 1969 rock opera Tommy, the revival follows the five-year-old Tommy Walker able played by Cecila Ann Popp. Tommy's father (Adam Jacobs) married his mother (sensitive Alison Luff) then went to war where he is captured and sent to a POW camp. With a husband at war, she gave birth to Tommy alone. Thinking her husband was dead she got involved with another man (Nathan Lucrezio). Then Tommy's father returns and gets into a confrontation with his wife's new main man. After witnessing his father shoot the man Tommy's mother has taken up with, Tommy is further traumatized by his parents who order him to not speak of what he has seen and to forget everything. He suffers traumatic hysteria, becoming blind and unable to speak. Emotionally retreating, spending hours staring into the mirror.

When Tommy first materialized on record, the screen and on stage, it was jaw-dropping inventive, eccentric, radical, and important. Today, face it, people go for the music. That hair raising score. Later, upon musing about the show, you can ruminate over how times have changed. Back then a child would be told to forget what they have seen or heard. Today, the opposite. Any child with such a traumatic experience would receive counseling and educated medical attention.

However, in Tommy's case, his condition lends itself not to caring and healing but abuse. Doctors use him as a lab rat. He is observed, poked and prodded by doctors (Sparks); Religious zealots, and those who will try anything, pray him well (Christmas.) His alcoholic pedophile of an uncle (perfect John Ambrosino) sexually abuses and brutalizes him (Fiddle About). Along the way he's taken to an alley where a drug-addled maniac is anxious get involved (the Acid Queen, played by Christina Sajous). His unexplainable, incredible ability to play pinball springboards him into a megastar. Then there is his sadistic cousin (brilliant Bobby Conte) who derides and mocks - ironically it's Cousin Kevin who accidentally enables Tommy’s breakthrough to recovery. When Tommy regains his ability to see and hear, he also becomes - as is said today "an influencer." People also want explanations and a religious miracle is one possibility, which Tommy rejects.

There are several plot differences between the album, the film, and the stage productions, though the general story-line is basically the same.

In both stage versions, the father comes home from the war and kills his estranged wife's lover in a confrontation. For the stage Townshend penned I Believe My Own Eyes in which Tommy's parents are resigned to accepting Tommy's "deaf, dumb and blind" condition after years of desperately trying to find a cure - including seeking out the Acid Queen. Unlike the album or film, in the stage versions Tommy's father brings him to see the Acid Queen, then changes his mind and leaves before Tommy partakes of her "charms."

The most fundamental difference in the story is the finale, which was first rewritten in 1993.

This 30th anniversary revival of the musical premiered at the Goodman Theatre in 2023, directed by Des McAnuff. This production made some revisions to the script including the removal of Tommy's Holiday Camp and new rewrite of the verses of We're Not Gonna Take It. It opened on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre, on March 28, 2024. The entire principal cast, are reprising their performances from that engagement.

For those who saw the original Broadway production - leave your hearing aids at home - you won't need them.

Tommy has always been a sensory overload. When the original Broadway production opened, I even had several of the musicians contact me asking if I couldld help get sound protection for the playing musicians - some of whom would experience tears rolling down their cheeks and temporary hearing issues.

The Who’s Tommy is non-stop psychedelic energy, punctuated by the sounds of a darting, defying, clanging pinball. Lorin Latarro's choreography is intense, profuse and ebullient. The underlying message of the impacts of emotional trauma are as relevant now as they were during the original production.

Future superstar Ali Louis Bourzgui plays young adult Tommy. Photo production publicity.

The featured performers are all standouts.

Future superstar Ali Louis Bourzgui, who plays Tommy as a young adult, has both personality and a voice. Alison Luff, playing Tommy’s mother, Mrs. Walker, delivers the angst of being the mother to a 'deaf, dumb and blind' child. Her number Smash the Mirror is an emotional statement.

Adam Jacobs as Captain Walker, John Ambrosino as Uncle Ernie, Bobby Conte as Cousin Kevin, and Christina Sajous as The Acid Queen are perfection. Sharing the role of Tommy, age four, are Cecilia Ann Popp and Olive Ross-Kline. Tommy, age 10, is shared by Quinten Kusheba and Reese Levine.

The ensemble features Jeremiah Alsop, Ronnie S. Bowman Jr., Mike Cannon, Tyler James Eisenreich, Haley Gustafson, Sheldon Henry, Aliah James, Tassy Kirbas, Lily Kren, Nathan Lucrezio, Alexandra Matteo, Mark Mitrano, Reagan Pender, Daniel Quadrino, Jenna Nicole Schoen, and Andrew Tufano. Rounding out the company as swings are Afra Hines, David Paul Kidder, Brett Michael Lockley, and Dee Tomasetta.



If this cast is any indication of young talent then the Broadway stage is in good hands. If these performers desire, they have long and successful stage careers in their future - although 50 years from now they will be playing more mature parts.

The creative team also includes choreographer Lorin Latarro, costume designer Sarafina Bush who is spot on with her creative styles for every era; sound designer Gareth Owen, and wig and hair designer Charles G. LaPointe. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting's Merri Sugarman with additional Chicago casting by Lauren Port and Rachael Jimenez. Tripp Phillips is the production stage manager, and Bespoke Theatricals is general manager.

Aside from the fact that the score is loud, it is also eloquently orchestrated by Steve Margoshes, with musical supervision by Ron Melrose who also contributed some arrangements. The musicians are ably directed by Rick Fox who contributed additional orchestrations.

The projection design by Peter Nigrini is chillingly effective. The lighting design by Amanda Zieve and sets by David Korins are nothing short of awesome.

Performances are at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City.

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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

AMERICAN ROAD TRIP The American Museum & Gardens in Bath, England celebrates an epic journey through the diversity of American landscapes, history and culture in a new, family friendly, special exhibition through December 31, 2024.

People travel in all parts of the globe, but the road trip is an experience forever American. American Road Trip presents the origins and stories behind the cultural phenomenon, and transports us thousands of miles on the ultimate journey of discovery along Route 66 and beyond.

Join us for: A contemporary museum experience, where visitors join in and share their own stories
Large-scale-travel games, theatrical sets, and an array of American road-trip memorabilia
The chance to get up close to an original 1958 Harley Davidson Duo Glide motorcycle, on loan from Haynes Motor Museum

Entering an immersive gallery of imagery, music and neon-lighting effects, visitors will experience a series of interactive spaces to explore different aspects of the iconic adventure.

Exhibition features include billboards showcasing the diverse history and culture of the American road trip, a giant USA map game to play out all kinds of routes across the continent, and favorite examples of the American road trip in popular culture.

Visitors will be able to assemble a classic scene for a fun selfie in a theatrical car set, get up close to a 1958 Harley Davidson Duo Glide motorcycle, and navigate the USA via interactive dashboards featuring stunning landscape photography from America’s National Parks and beyond.

Surrounded by inspiring stories, imagery and objects from the road, exhibition road-trippers are encouraged to add their own American road trip wishes or memories to the displays.

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM in Palm Springs, CA has announced that Christine Vendredi, formerly Global Director for Art, Culture, and Heritage for Louis Vuitton, has been tapped as new Chief Curator to oversee the museum’s exhibitions, publications, and permanent collection.

Christine has a PhD in Art History from the prestigious Practical School for Advanced Studies (EPHE) Sorbonne in Paris and another PhD in Architectural History from Charles University in Prague, as well as an Executive MBA from the School of Advanced Business Studies (HEC) in Paris. She has also co-authored two books on architecture, served as an art history teacher at Keio University Tokyo, and speaks four languages including French, English, Japanese, and Czech.

Christine begins her new role at Palm Springs Art Museum on April 15.

ART AUCTION HALTED AT THE LAST MINUTE more than 1,000 pieces of African art previously housed at taxpayer expense in a Harris County, Texas maintenance shed under dubious circumstances were set to be gaveled down on April 4, 2024 got an 11th hour reprieve thanks to the collection's owner, Houston real estate agent Sam Njunuri, filling last minute bankruptcy.

Approximately 1400 pieces of artwork owned by Njunuri. including wood and metal statues, carvings and masks were to be auctioned off in a sheriff's sale to satisfy a 2022, $990,000 judgement against Njunuri.

ARTWORK CREATED BY TONY BENNETT is being gaveled down by Beverly-Hills based Julien's Auctions on line April 18-19 and live at the Ertegun Hall of Fame at Lincoln Venter in New York City.

The famed singer, who was also an accomplished artist, created a set of watercolor paintings and charcoal drawings celebrating his beloved Central Park in New York City. Tony Bennett: A Life Well Lived auction has kicked off with on line bidding exceeding the pre-sale value.

The legendary pop, jazz and big-band vocalist, who won 20 Grammy Awards, died July 21, 2023 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

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SWEET CHARITY

THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY CELEBRATES PACO DE LUCÍA’S LEGACY on April 13 in Cadiz, at the Gran Teatro Falla, paying homage to one of the most influential guitarists in the history of flamenco and music in general.

"It is an honor to be able to celebrate the legacy of the great Paco de Lucía, and the influence that he had on his generation and continues to have on new generations of music creators both in Spain and across IberoAmerica," said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

The event is co-financed by the Programa FEDER Andalucía 2021-2027 and the Regional Government of Andalucía, and sponsored by the city of Cádiz and the Enrique Tomás brand of ibérico ham.

Among the artists whose participation is confirmed are Latin Grammy winners Antonio Carmona, Juan Habichuela Nieto, Oscar D’León, Pepe de Lucía, Eliades Ochoa and Berta Rojas, as well as Latin Grammy nominees Diego Amador, Rubem Dantas, María José Llergo, Niño Josele, India Martínez, Israel Suárez "Piraña", Maria Toledo y Rosario La Tremendita.

Additionally, the program will feature special guests including Cañizares, Ané Carrasco, Tino di Geraldo, José Carlos Gómez, Chonchi Heredia, José Heredia "El Gato", David de Jacoba, Jaime Calabuch "Jumitus", Noemí Humanes, Juan Parrilla, José María Bandera, and 2022 Trustees Award winner, Abraham Laboriel, whom will pay tribute to Lucía’s music and mastery.

Latin Grammy nominee Miguel Poveda will serve as host for the evening, and will also perform alongside Carlos Grilo, Jesús Guerrero, Makarines and Carlos Merino.

The event will be produced by Macarena Moreno and The Latin Recording Academy team led by Ayleen Figueras. The musical production is spearheaded by Carlos Narea, under the musical direction of Fernando Illán and Victor Martínez who will also be part of the band.

All proceeds will benefit the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and the Paco de Lucía Scholarship.

THE 2024 IMPACT AWARDS presented by the Playing For Change Foundation takes place Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Rubell Museum and Superblue Miami in Miami, Florida.

A night dedicated to music, philanthropy, and the power of change. This year, the foundation honors Grammy-nominated artist Ellie Goulding and Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Diplo for their exceptional contributions to music and philanthropy. Both artists will also perform that evening — with Goulding gracing the awards stage at the Rubell Museum. Andrea and Veronica Bocelli, who are also being honored at the Impact Awards, will make a virtual appearance.

After the awards, Diplo and Grammy-nominated, genre-defying duo Sofi Tukker will keep the celebration going with a DJ set at the after-party, presented in partnership with MGM+ and taking place at Superblue Miami. The night promises to be a blending a vibrant array of music with the spirit of giving back. The awards and after party underscore Playing For Change Foundation's commitment to bringing together artists who not only excel in their craft but also share a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Additional performers include PFCF partner program Young Musicians Unite, which collaborates with schools to provide free music education, a performance by DJ and producer Note Marcato, as well as the return of Hip-Hop Kidz, one of the most successful dance programs in the world, performing a mashup of the honorees’ music.

To coincide with the Impact Awards, PFCF will hold an online charity auction with special items donated by celebrities and more. Among the unique experiences up for bid is an opportunity to meet David Blaine, which includes two tickets to his mesmerizing show in Las Vegas, complete with a private performance, luxurious accommodations, and more surprises. Wine enthusiasts will have the chance to bid on a 3-night stay at Meadowood Napa Valley in California, which includes lunch at the renowned Screaming Eagle, exclusive wine tastings, and additional curated experiences. For sports and adrenaline lovers, the auction offers an exclusive opportunity to hang at the Trophy House, located at the coveted Turn 1, during the Formula 1 2024 Miami Grand Prix, providing an unparalleled view of the action. Football fans are not left out, as they can bid on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to fly with the LA Rams to a 2024 season game, complete with pregame field passes and accommodations. The auction is open through April 18th, will allow people near and far to support PFCF and the work the organization does.

The 2024 Impact Awards is the Playing For Change Foundation's biggest event of the year, honoring artists and philanthropists for their tireless commitment to using their platforms for social good. The event brings together PFCF supporters, artists, and community leaders from around the country, including co-chairs Whitney Kroenke Silverstein and Nick Silverstein, Karolina Kurkova and Archie Drury, Sandra and Howard Hoffen, plus PFCF’s prestigious host committee: Randi Wolfson and Chris Adamo; Ginger Harris and Jorge Camaraza; Ann Kroenke; Erica and Mark Mutchnik; James Provencher and Craig Baldino; John G. Shedd IV and Mike Lundberg; Ronnie Madra; Linda and Tom Rizk; Pamela Silva; and Ana and Sean Wolfington.

For 17 years, Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) has helped youth rise up through their own culture using music education to create social and economic change in areas that are economically poor, but culturally extremely wealthy. With 50+ locations across 19 countries and growing, the positive impact of PFCF on youth, families, and communities in need is truly extraordinary. "We employ more than 200 staff, teachers, and community leaders locally across program locations, including: Mali, Morocco, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Jordan, Nepal, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Argentina, South Dakota, and Miami."

SPREADING THE WORD

THE GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY OF SUSSEX presents Patience in concert on April 14, 2024 at Wivelsfield Village Hall, Wivelsfield Green, England.

Refreshments and mince-pies will be served.

Performing the G&S opera will be the Goldalming Operatic Society.

Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride, is a comic opera in two acts with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. The opera is a satire on the aesthetic movement of the 1870s and '80s in England and, more broadly, on fads, superficiality, vanity, hypocrisy and pretentiousness; it also satirizes romantic love, rural simplicity and military bluster.

First performed at the Opera Comique, London, on April 23, 1881, Patience moved to the 1,292-seat Savoy Theatre on October 10, 1881, where it was the first theatrical production in the world to be lit entirely by electric light. Henceforth, the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas would be known as the Savoy Operas, and both fans and performers of Gilbert and Sullivan would come to be known as "Savoyards."

Patience was the sixth operatic collaboration of fourteen between Gilbert and Sullivan. It ran for a total of 578 performances, which was seven more than the authors' earlier work, H.M.S. Pinafore, and the second longest run of any work of musical theatre up to that time, after the operetta Les Cloches de Corneville.

THE STAGE DOOR FOUNDATION AND OPEN JAR STUDIOS have announced casting for the first two musicals in The Broadway Workroom Series: Loch Lomond and In The Light, A Faustian Tale.

The Broadway Workroom Series, a groundbreaking move to champion the arts and empower the development of theatrical artists and new works, is scheduled to begin on April 18th, 2024. This initiative provides creative teams with free studio space and technical support to further the development of their creative projects. At the end of each development week, the public will be invited, at no cost, to experience these new musicals in concert at Open Jar Studios. Tickets for each concert are free.

"Oh, ye’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road. And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye…"

These Scottish lyrics have been sung the world over for hundreds of years, but few know the legend behind them.

1745. The height of the Scottish Jacobite rebellion. When two Scottish rebel brothers are captured by the English, they are faced with an impossible choice, a ticking clock, and the end of their heroic ambitions. With only six hours left until their fate is decided, brothers Lyle and James must reconcile their desire for freedom and glory with their loyalty to each other… and their love for the women they leave behind. At once a sweeping tale of rebellion and an intimate family portrait, Loch Lomond will take you beyond the lyrics and into the heart of a universal struggle for freedom and love that stands the test of time.

Featuring Direction by Jeff Whiting and Music Direction by James Dobinson, the AEA approved showcase performances of Loch Lomond will be presented at Open Jar Studios from Thursday April 18 to Sunday April 21. The band includes Nicole Shroeder, Mike Petty, and Tristan Marzeski.

Casting for Loch Lomond by Maggie Herskowitz and Neil Douglas Reilly includes Sophia Ann Caruso, Antonio Cipriano, Jeffrey Kringer.

In The Light, A Faustian Tale features a book by Kate Mulley and Nathan Wright, with music & lyrics by Michael Mott, based on a work by Justin Silvestri and Michael Mott.

In the Light follows Dr. Johann Faustus, an astronomer accused of blasphemy by the Holy Inquisition. Guided by a mysterious being, Johann and his wife flee to a small town, where he meets a scholarly young woman named Gretchen. Gretchen believes Johann can help rebuild her town and influence the new Baron. When news of the town's rise and Johann's supposed miracles reaches an old rival, Johann must resist the temptation that his ambition yields, and Gretchen must make a choice between living authentically and saving her town. In The Light will be presented at Open Jar Studios from Friday April 26 to Sunday April 28.

Casting for In The Light, A Faustian Tale includes Jeffrey Kringe, Shereen Pimental, Antonio Cipriano, with Caleb Albert, Shavey Brown, Will Stephan Connell, Nicole DeLuca, Caitlin Doak, Anna Frasier Thomas, Alyssa Giannetti, Craig Juricka, Liz Lang , Pablo Laucerica, Michael McCorry Rose, Erick Pinnick, Lindsay Rider, Karla Shook, Bronwyn Tarboten, Anne Fraser Thomas and Andy Walken.

The creative team includes Direction by Jeff Whiting, Music Direction by Joshua Zecher-Ross, and orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg. The band includes Adam Wolfe, David White, Justin Rothberg, and Audra Cramer who serves as the Associate Music Director.

PAT BOONE who has sold 45 million records, is celebrating his 70th year in show business by releasing to all streaming and download services individual performances from 117 episodes of his popular 1950s Television Series, The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom, which have been digitized and preserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

Of course they include Boone's hits like "Love Letters in the Sand" and "April Love". The first track is a medley of "I Feel A Song Comin' On," "It's A Grand Night For Singing," and "With A Song In My Heart. A new digitally remastered track is to be released every Friday.

Many of Boone's television guests were Rock ‘n Roll singers, such as Bobby Rydell, Fabian, and Connie Francis, but Country and Western stars Red Foley, Roy Rogers, and The Sons of the Pioneers also performed. Boone invited numerous African American singers to his program, including Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis, and The Mills Brothers. Opera singer Anna Maria Alberghetti was in the premiere episode and Shirley Jones in the second.

On the last Chevy Show, Pat was joined by his wife Shirley along with the four Boone girls (Debby, Lindy, Cherry, and Laury), who popped up from a packing crate addressed to Disneyland U.S.A.

Boone takes to the stage performing May 1, 2024 at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA. His 90th birthday takes place June 1 with his four daughters, 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grantchildren planning his party.

THE MARK TAPER FORUM in Los Angeles is set to re-open with CTG Managing Director and Chief Executive Meghan Pressman and Artistic Director Snehal Desai working on the exact date and number of productions.

The Mark Taper Forum suspended programming last summer amid a spiraling budget crisis.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

ICONIC BAND KISS has sold its back catalogue of songs to Stockholm, Swedish music investor Pophouse Entertainment for a figure rumored to exceed $300m (£237m). Pophouse also purchased group's brand, likeness and intellectual property.

Kiss have sold some 100 million records over the past 50 years.

The sale finalizes the rock band's retirement from live performances following their End of the Road World Tour.

The deal permits the Swedish firm to generate future AI-generated content, which shouldn't come as a surprise. Pophouse previously collaborated with Kiss on a digital avatar project in December, 2023 last year.

Kiss was founded in 1973 by lead singers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, who well known and respected for his business acumen.

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MARTIN SHORT has been announced as the new mayor of Funner, California. He will serve a two-year term succeeding Jane Lynch.

"As the mayor-elect of Funner, I promise to be more than just a spokesperson dressed in purple from head-to-toe, but instead, the best mayor in the whole darn state," Short he said in a statement. "It’s my goal to make every part of the already fun Harrah’s Resort SoCal even Funner, and I can’t wait to share my plans with all of my constituents."

Funner is called "a place where your wildest dreams dream. A place where the funless go to turn it all around."

Located in North San Diego County, Funnier dates back to 2012. At the time Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort, was looking to set itself apart from other Indian casinos in Southern California that were competing for the same group of aging consumers.

In adition to dramatic changes to the resort, the ultimate re-positioning was to change the name of the 40 acres that make up the Harrah’s facility. An aptly name San Diego-based advertising agency called i.d.e.a. proposed the concept of renaming the area "Funner" to reflect the resort’s goal of raising the level of visitor "fun".

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Tribal Council Leaders embraced the idea and voted unanimously to adopt the new name. An official proclamation was adopted on August 1, 2016.

Finally on May 18, 2017 actor David Hasselhoff was officially inaugurated as Mayor of Funner. Quick to assume the role, Hasselhoff announced, “When I was tapped to run for mayor, I knew I was the guy for the job because, honestly, who’s funner than The Hoff?” Rob Riggle and Jane Lynch followed.

Two time Emmy Award winner Short will be inaugurated on May 13, 2024 and receive a key to the city.

While in office Short will work with the city council — led by Harrah’s Resort SoCal’s senior vp and general manager Jill Barrett — to elevate the fun as the city’s fourth mayor.

Short will be inaugurated May 13,2024. Part of the oath consists of protecting “fun, good times, laughing out loud and positive vibes from the negative influences determined to turn a smile upside down."

He will then be presented with a key to the city and in his inaugurial speech announce his plans for the city.

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL has announced that Ronald D. Moore will receive the 2024 Outstanding Television Writer Award celebrating his impactful contributions to the landscape of television through celebrated sci-fi shows including For All Mankind; Outlander and Battlestar Galactica.

At AFF’s Writers Conference happens October 24th – 27th in Austin, Texas with Moore’s career highlighted on two panels: "A Conversation with Ronald D. Moore", a discussion about his career and body of work, and "Script to Screen: Battlestar Galactica", an analysis of the seminal miniseries from concept to completion, complete with clips from the series.

Deeply rooted in the sci-fi genre, Moore got his start in the entertainment business on the writing staff of Star Trek: The Next Generation. During his tenure there, he wrote or co-wrote 27 episodes, including the two-hour series finale All Good Things, for which he won a Hugo Award in 1994. That same year, Moore was honored with an Emmy Award nomination. In 1994, Moore joined the writing staff of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Supervising Producer and was elevated to Co-Executive Producer the following year. Moore spent five seasons on the series. In the fall of 2002, Moore was named Showrunner and Executive Producer of HBO’s critically acclaimed one-hour drama Carnivàle.

In 2003, Moore created the re-imagined series, Battlestar Galactica, and served as Showrunner/Executive Producer. In 2006, Moore was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Writing in a Dramatic Series, and in 2008, he won an Emmy for the Battlestar Galactica webisodes. In 2010, Moore’s production company, Tall Ship Productions, signed an overall deal with Sony Television to develop and produce television series.? After a decade with Sony Television, Tall Ship Productions inked an overall deal with Disney’s 20th Television in 2020, where Ron is currently developing new television projects. Moore is a native of Chowchilla, California and attended Cornell University, where he studied political science. He lives in New York with his wife, Terry. He has three children – Robin, Roxy and Jonathan.

JUMPING THE BROOM

BROADCASTER DON LEMON AND REALTOR TIM MALONE having been engaged for five years, jumped the broom on Saturday, April 6, 2024. The formal, traditional vow exchange, religious ceremony took place at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City.

The ceremony was conducted by the United States ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield in the presence of 140 star studded and personal friends.

The grooms wore custom made, identical suits by Suit Supply and exchanged rings crafted by Mark Lash.

At the end of the ceremony the couple literally jumped a broom and lit a unity candle in honor of their mothers.

The couple entered the sanctuary to the music What a Wonderful World and at the conclusion left to Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

The wedding reception took place at Palph Lauren's Polo Bar.



FAT HAM by James Ijames. A 2022 Pulitzer Prize Winner, 2023 Tony Award Nominee.

Directed by Timothy McCuen Piggee.

Juicy, a young queer Black man, has a lot on his plate. His mother just married his uncle after the untimely death of his father, whose ghost appears at a family barbecue demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. Sound familiar? Fresh from its Broadway debut, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a sparkling and uproarious new comedy about seeking love and liberation.

Featuring: Taj E. M. Burroughs as Juicy; Reginald André Jackson as Rev/Pap; Aishé Keita as Opal; Felicia V. Loud as Rabby; Semaj Miller as Larry; Chip Sherman as Tio; Dedra D. Woods as Tedra; Jasmine Lomax as u/s Tedra/Opal/Rabby; Richard Peacock as u/s Juicy/Tio; Arlando Smith as u/s Larry/Rev/Pap.

The creatives are: Jimmy Shields Choreographer - Caite Hevner Scenic Designer - Ricky German Costume Designer - Robert J. Aguilar Lighting - Phil Johnson Sound Designer - Earon Chew Nealey Wig & Hair Designer - Geoffrey Alm Fight Director - Jasmine Lomax Intimacy Consultant - Aaron M. Davis Norman Singing Coach - Yusef Seevers Dialect & Vocal Coach - Amy Thone Dramaturg - Amaya Zhané Assistant Director - Stina Lotti Stage Manager - Shaina Pierce Assistant Stage Manager.

April 12 - May 12, 2024 on the Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Rep in Seattle, Washington.

THE POWER OF SAIL by Paul Grellong.

Directed by Dominic Dromgoole.

All hell breaks loose when Harvard professor Charles Nichols invites a contentious white nationalist to his yearly symposium. His colleagues are very concerned about how this will affect both his and the University’s reputation; his students are vociferously protesting. However, Charles refuses to budge. Is there another agenda? A moral thriller that investigates the thin line between hate and freedom of speech.

Featuring Julian Ovenden, Tanya Franks, Giles Terera, Michael Benz, Katie Bernstein, Georgia Landers and Paul Rider.

The creatives are: Set and Costume Design by Paul Farnsworth; Lighting design by Oliver Fenwick; Sound design by Ella Wahlstrom; Video designer is Leo Flint.

This European premiere runs until May 12, 2024 at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.

MURROW by Theater Project Playwright Joseph Vitale.

Directed by Montgomery Sutton.

Starring New York stage actor Nicolas Greco in the title role.

The play traces Murrow’s life from his early days in radio, through his broadcasts from London during the Blitz, to the McCarthy TV broadcast of March 1954, and ends with his departure from CBS News in the late 1950s.

"Murrow tells the story of a great American life," says Vitale, a member of the Dramatists Guild of America as well as a trustee of The Theater Project. "His career spans the history of broadcast journalism in the U.S. He was instrumental in the birth of both radio and television news and he warned, early on, about the corrosive effects of advertising and entertainment on the news. His decision to take on Joe McCarthy at the height of the senator’s power may well be broadcast journalism’s finest hour. In an age of pseudo-news and infotainment, Murrow’s life and career – and his warnings – could not be more relevant."

Murrow, a one-character drama about the life of legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow will run April 11-April 21 at AT&T Center’s Hamon Hall in Dallas, Texas.

The play had its world premiere at The Theater Project in 2015 and ran Off-Off Broadway at the Phoenix Theatre in 2016.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM award-winning Flabbergast Theatre's rambunctious approach to Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy.

Directed and staged by Henry Maynard.

Associate Director – Simon Gleave.

Musical Consultant – Nick Hart.

Lighting – Rachel Shipp.

Combining a respectful approach to the text and a focus on storytelling, Flabbergast and their multinational ensemble bring the magic of midsummer alive with physical comedy, song, music, and masks. Robin Goodfellow runs amok, the King and Queen of the Faeries settle a spat, and the humans are sent into a spin, in this joyous romp for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.

Featuring as Oberon – Krystian Godlewski - as Titania/Snug – Reanne Black - as Robin Goodfellow – Lennie Longworth; as Helena/Snout – Vyte Garriga - as Hermia/Quince – Paulina Krzeczkowska - as Lysander/Starveling – Elliot Pritchard - as Demetrius/Flute – Nadav Burstein and as Bottom/Egeus – Simon Gleave.

This exhilarating and hilarious new production is presented by Flabbergast Theatre April 9 - April 10, 2024 at The Wilton's Music Hall in London.

RIDE book, music, and lyrics by Freya Catrin Smith. Music and lyrics by Jack Williams.

Directed by Sarah Meadows.

It’s 1895, and Annie Londonderry wants to discover if a woman can ride a bicycle around the world. The problem? She’s only ridden one twice! As Annie and her unwitting secretary Martha share unbelievable adventures across four continents, they learn that no matter how far we ride, our past is always right behind us. A high-energy score and a wildly versatile cast.

The cast includes Alex Finke as Annie and Livvy Marcus as Martha. The understudy for Annie and Martha is Aubrey Matalon.

The creatives are: Jennifer Jancuska (Choreography), Amy Jane Cook (Scenic and Costume Design), Jamie Platt (Lighting Design), Andrew Johnson (Sound Design), Matt Powell (Video Design), John Bulleid (Illusion Design), Katharine Quinn (Associate Director), Natasha Harrison (Original Choreography), Jim Carnahan, CSA and Jason Thinger, CSA (Casting), Anjee Nero (Production Stage Manager), Macy Schmidt (Orchestrations), Sam Young (Music Supervisor and Additional Arrangements), and Daniel Green (Music Director).

Ride plays through April 28, 2024 in the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park, California.

HELL’S KITCHEN conceived by Alicia Keys, with music and lyrics by Keys, book by Kristoffer Diaz.

Directed by Michael Greif.

Musical supervision by Adam Blackstone.

Choreography by Camille A. Brown.

In the mid 90’s, in an apartment high above the energy and grit of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, 17-year-old Ali squints toward the horizon until she can just see the Hudson River. Despite the warnings of her protective mother, the symphony of the street calls to her—promising freedom, excitement, and the possibility of love. Finding herself. When a wise piano teacher helps her find her voice, Ali learns she can make the city her own.

The cast stars Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis and Chris Lee.

The music team includes orchestrations by Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, arrangements by Alicia Keys and Adam Blackstone, music consulting by Tom Kitt and music direction by Lily Ling.

On Broadway at the Shubert Theatre, New York City.

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FINAL OVATION

LARRY SPIEGEL writer, director and producer has died.

His first sreenwriting credits were for the movies Book of Numbers and Hail (both 1973). By the mid-1970s he was associated with animation company DePatie-Freleng, and wrote six of the thirteen episodes of their 1975 Return to the Planet of the Apes cartoon series.

Other credits include: Evil Town screeplay (1985); Phobia (1980) writer; Survival Run (1979) screenplay; ABC Nutrition Spots TV Series writer; ABC Afterschool Specials (1972) teleplay; The Evil Touch (1973) writer; The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas (1973) writer.

He is survived by his wife Jill Rodin-Spiegel and daughters Elizabeth and Jennifer.

CHRISTOPHER DURANG a Tony Award winner for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, died April 2, 2024 at his home in Pipersville, Pennsylvania, of complications from logopenic primary progressive aphasia. In 2022, it was revealed Durang had been diagnosed in 2016 with the disorder, a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.

One of the most popular playwrights of the 20th century, Mr. Durang's unique comedic flair, which often utilized absurdism and outrageous conceits, leapt to prominence in the latter half of the century.

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Durang also received Obie Awards for Sister Mary Ignatius; The Marriage of Bette and Boo, and Betty's Summer Vacation, and numerous fellowships and high-profile grants including a Guggenheim, a Rockefeller, the CBS Playwriting Fellowship, the Lecomte du Nouy Foundation Grant, and the Kenyon Festival Theatre Playwriting Prize.

In 2000, he won the Sidney Kingsley Playwriting Award. A year later, he won an award in literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 1995, he won the prestigious three-year Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Writers Award; as part of his grant, he ran a writing workshop for adult children of alcoholics. Over his career, he won three playwrighting Obie awards.

Alongside Marsha Norman, Durang directed The Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at Juilliard from 1984 to 2016, where he helped to guide playwrights Joshua Harmon and Noah Haidle, as well as Pulitzer winner David Lindsay-Abaire, who would go on to succeed . Durang as co-director following his diagnosis.

This past February, it was announced that Durang would be awarded the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at The Dramatists Guild of America's annual awards ceremony May 6. The award will now be delivered posthumously.

"Durang was not only a giant in our field, but a guiding light whose daring works illuminated the stage with brilliance and wit. His legacy as a playwright, lyricist, and educator is immeasurable, touching the lives of countless artists and audiences alike," the Dramatists Guild said in a statement.

In addition to his work as a playwright, Durang wrote the librettos for two Broadway musicals, A History of the American Film and All About Me.

Although typically a writer of comedies, he did not shy away from complex cultural issues, with child abuse, Catholic dogma, and homosexuality figuring prominently within many of his works.

Mr. Durang is survived by his husband, John Augustine.

Next Column: April 14, 2024
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Laura Deni

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