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Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama

By: Apr. 17, 2011
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Don't Tell Mama was host last Sunday to the premiere of Mixtape Confessions: Diary of a Teenage Optimist. A new autobiographical show starring Nicole Johndrow, Mixtape Confessions features surprising new arrangements of classic pop hits from 1988 to 1991, structured around Johndrow's audiotape diary from her junior high school days. At the piano was musical director and arranger Warren Freeman, who dueted with Johndrow on several showstoppers, including songs made famous by Whitney Houston, Gloria Estefan, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. Also on hand were Anna Ty Bergman and Dani Marcus for some tight girl-group harmonies and the emotionally charged finale, Wilson Phillips' "Hold On." Throughout the fast-paced show, Johndrow shares candid moments as the recorded voice of 13-year-old Nicole from the tape diary recounts the joys and embarrassments of the Eighth Grade: the first kiss, the first crush and the first heartbreak.

In the audience for Johndrow's solo New York debut were Tony nominee Gavin Lee, Michael Longoria of Jersey Boys, Gerard Salvador and Mark Dancewicz from the current cast of Mamma Mia!, and new composer and Don't Tell Mama favorite Scott Evan Davis.

Ms. Johndrow's theatre credits include Cats (Jellylorum/Grizabella, National Tour), regional productions of The Full Monty and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and New York cabarets including Back In Pictures and The Music of Scott Evan Davis.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Anna Ty Bergman and Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow and Danni Marcus

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Nicole Johndrow

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image
Anna Ty Bergman, Nicole Johndrow, and Danni Marcus

Photo Coverage: 'Mixtape Confessions' at Don't Tell Mama  Image

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski




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