InDepth InterView: Randy Graff Talks New 54 Below Show MADE IN BROOKLYN, Plus LES MISERABLES, Broadway Memories & More
by Pat Cerasaro
- Feb 12, 2014
Today we are talking to a legendary leading lady famous for a few of the most iconic roles in some of the most memorable musicals of the 1980s and 1990s as well as a versatile vocalist and concert performer set to make her cabaret debut later this month - the ingratiating and amusing Randy Graff. Looking back at originating the role of Fantine in the original Broadway production of mega-hit mega musical LES MISERABLES and singing the unforgettable 'I Dreamed A Dream' eight times a week (and on the best-selling cast recording) as well as recounting her Tony Award-winning work in the endlessly entertaining Cy Coleman/David Zippel musical comedy CITY OF ANGELS, Graff share stories from behind the scenes and gives us a rare look at theatrical history in the making and her elemental role in both productions. Additionally, Graff opens up about some of her other most fondly remembered work, including her fantastic turn in Ed Kleban's A CLASS ACT, William Finn's FALSETTOS, Cole Porter's HIGH SOCIETY, the stage play and documentary MOON OVER BUFFALO co-starring Carol Burnett, the most recent revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and much more. Most importantly, Graff generously outlines what we can expect from her upcoming solo shows at NYC hotspot 54 Below titled MADE IN BROOKLYN, in what will actually be the stalwart star's solo show premiere. In addition to all of that, Graff also touches upon some of her big screen and small screen work, ranging from LAW & ORDER to RENT, as well as recounts some theatrical tales involving theatre greats such as Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, John Simon and more. All of that and much, much more awaits in this rich resume recounting retrospective with one of Broadway's best!
THE GRAFF FAMILY HOLIDAY SPECIAL Set for 54 Below This Weekend
by BWW News Desk
- Dec 14, 2013
54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Ilene, Randy, and Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone in 'The Graff Family Holiday Special,' tonight, December 14th at 11 P.M., and in a sold out show on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7 P.M. This talented family will perform a host of holiday favorites and tunes from their various forays on the Great White Way in the tradition of the Andy Williams Christmas specials that mesmerized them as children. Expect tight, four-part harmonies, color coordinated hats and mufflers, indoor sleigh rides, audience participation, mistletoe, and plenty of high belting.
Photo Coverage: Graff Family, Euan Morton, Chip Zien & More Preview 54 Below Shows!
by Jennifer Broski
- Nov 21, 2013
54 Below just welcomed a part of its December line-up for a special performance preview, including Tony Award-winner Randy Graff, Tony nominee Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone from 'The Graff Family Holiday Special' (running 12/14 & 16); Tony-nominated song-writing team Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire (running 12/17); Tony nominee Euan Morton (running 12/12); and Chip Zien (running 12/5 & 11). Check out photos from the previews below!
THE GRAFF FAMILY HOLIDAY SPECIAL Set for 54 Below, 12/14 & 16
by Tyler Peterson
- Nov 15, 2013
54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Ilene, Randy, and Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone in "The Graff Family Holiday Special," on Saturday, December 14th at 11 P.M., and in a sold out show on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7 P.M. This talented family will perform a host of holiday favorites and tunes from their various forays on the Great White Way in the tradition of the Andy Williams Christmas specials that mesmerized them as children. Expect tight, four-part harmonies, color coordinated hats and mufflers, indoor sleigh rides, audience participation, mistletoe, and plenty of high belting.
Photo Coverage: Telly Leung, Susan Blackwell Read from UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY at Launch Party!
by Walter McBride
- Nov 13, 2013
THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY: Tales from the World's Most Famous Theaters, Volume 1 (Dress Circle Publishing. 350 pages, $19.99) by author and musical theater historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the first book to recount the backstage drama of Broadway's greatest shows at eight iconic theaters. Using firsthand accounts from some of the biggest names in Broadway history, the book provides a look behind the curtains of the Al Hirschfield, August Wilson, Lyceum, Mark Hellinger, Marquis, Neil Simon, Richard Rodgers, and Winter Garden Theaters.
The book just had a launch party at Sardi's and BroadwayWorld was there for the special celebration. Check out photo coverage below!
Robin De Jesus, Sasha Allen & More Set for CAMP 10th Anniversary Reunion at 54 Below, 10/4
by Nicole Rosky
- Sep 10, 2013
On October 4 (11pm), 54 Belwo will present the 10th Anniversary Screening & Reunion of the 2003 cult favorite film CAMP! Joining us for a pre-screening talkback will be director Todd Graff, and CAMP's Robin De Jesus, Sasha Allen, Joanna Chilcoat, Lynn Ahrens, Steven Cutts, Brad Simmons, Stephen Dimenna, Brittany Pollack, and other special guests to be announced.
Robin De Jesus Replaces Ben Rimalower In PATTI ISSUES
by Pat Cerasaro
- Aug 15, 2013
Versatile stage and screen performer Robin De Jesus will take over for original author and star of the hit Off-Broadway one-man diva tribute PATTI ISSUES, Ben Rimalower, for a series of performances beginning September 8.
More Details Revealed for LAST 5 YEARS Film Adaptation
by Caryn Robbins
- Jun 19, 2013
Lucky Monkey Pictures and Sh-K-Boom Records announced today Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan (“Smash,”Joyful Noise) will star in the film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's acclaimed musical The Last 5 Years.
Stephen Schwartz to Appear at National Symphony's THE WIZARD AND I, Now thru 5/18
by BWW News Desk
- May 16, 2013
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will present three performances of The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz May 16-18 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the performances feature performances by Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, and The Washington Chorus. The performances celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday as well as the 10th anniversary of the perennially 'popular' Wicked, and Mr. Schwartz will make a special appearance in each of the three programs, performing and sharing stories of the creation of Wicked.
Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis and More Set for THE WIZARD AND I with NSO in D.C., Now thru 5/18
by BWW News Desk
- May 16, 2013
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will present three performances of The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz tonight, May 16-18 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the performances feature performances by Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, and The Washington Chorus. The performances celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday as well as the 10th anniversary of the perennially 'popular' Wicked.
Photo Coverage: Jeremy Jordan and More at Paper Mill Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
- May 12, 2013
Paper Mill Playhouse hosted its largest fundraising event of the year, The 75th Anniversary Gala, on May 10th, 2013. The 75th Anniversary Gala celebrated Paper Mill's legacy as a world-class producer of theater and its role as a pioneer in arts education for three-quarters of a century. The evening offered dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and entertainment by students from Paper Mill Playhouse's arts education programs, The Eddie Bruce Band, and headliner Jeremy Jordan, star of Broadway's Newsies and NBC's Smash. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos from the festivities below!
Jeremy Jordan to Headline Paper Mill Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Gala, 5/10
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 23, 2013
The 75th Anniversary Gala is a celebration of Paper Mill's legacy as a world-class producer of theater and its role as a pioneer in arts education for three-quarters of a century,' stated Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director. 'The annual benefit will offer an evening of dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and entertainment by students from Paper Mill Playhouse's arts education programs, The Eddie Bruce Band and headlining this memorable evening is star of Newsies and NBC's Smash, Jeremy Jordan.'
Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis and More Set for THE WIZARD AND I with NSO in D.C., 5/16-18
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 22, 2013
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will present three performances of The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz May 16-18 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the performances feature performances by Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, and The Washington Chorus. The performances celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday as well as the 10th anniversary of the perennially "popular" Wicked.
Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis and More Join New York Pops for Stephen Schwartz's TESTIMONY Tonight
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 12, 2013
Tonight, April 12, 2013, The New York Pops continues its 30th season with an evening celebrating the 65th birthday of Stephen Schwartz and the 10th anniversary of his hit musical Wicked with The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz. Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke will lead the orchestra as they perform highlights from some of the composer-lyricist's most beloved works. The concert features Tony Award nominee Jeremy Jordan (Newsies), Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess), Drama Desk Award nominee Julia Murney (The Wild Party), Tony Award nominee Jennifer Laura Thompson (Urinetown), and Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA.
Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis and More to Join New York Pops for Stephen Schwartz's TESTIMONY, 4/12
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 10, 2013
On April 12, 2013, The New York Pops continues its 30th season with an evening celebrating the 65th birthday of Stephen Schwartz and the 10th anniversary of his hit musical Wicked with The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz. Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke will lead the orchestra as they perform highlights from some of the composer-lyricist's most beloved works. The concert features Tony Award nominee Jeremy Jordan (Newsies), Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess), Drama Desk Award nominee Julia Murney (The Wild Party), Tony Award nominee Jennifer Laura Thompson (Urinetown), and Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA.
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