Cabaret at Everyman Theatre Stars Broadway Actors Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez in a program called 'Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret
By: Charles Shubow Jul. 10, 2018
I congratulate Everyman Theatre for presenting their initial Summer Cabaret which includes the stars from their wonderful production of LOS OTROS, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez. The event will be at Everyman's intimate rehearsal hall Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Judy McLane (MAMMA MIA!) and Philip Hernandez (LES MISERABLES) will be singing numbers from the Broadway songbook.
"Whether it's THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM from MAN OF LA MANCHA or familiar tunes from MAMMA MIA!, "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret" is sure to be a joyous experience" said Cabaret Director Noah Himmelstein. "We are delighted to reunite the remarkably talented stars of 2017's LOS OTROS for an evening of best loved Broadway entertainment.
Tickets are $40 for general admission (table seating) and are available online at www.everymantheatre.org, by phone at 410-752-2208 or at the Everyman Theatre Box Office (315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD.
The following is a Q. and A. with Hernandez, Himmelstein, and Musical Director Dan Green.
FOR PHILIP HERNANDEZ
1.How and when did you know about this Cabaret performance?
Noah Himmelstein, our director from Los Otros, called and said he was interested in having Judy and I kick off a Cabaret Series at Everyman. So, of course, I said 'Yes.'
2. You and Judy worked so well together. How do you feel about being reunited?
Working with Judy and Noah on Los Otros was a wonderful experience and I jumped at the chance to work with them both again. This is the fourth time that Judy and I will be working together. She's an exceptional talent and always a joy to work with. Everyman is a world class theatre and I'm so excited to be working here again.
FOR Noah Himmelstein:
1. How and when did you get the opportunity to direct BROADWAY FAVORITES?
As Associate Artistic Director at Everyman, I am often looking for programming that compliments the productions happening on the main stage. Vincent M. Lancisi, the Artistic Director, and I were talking about how wonderful it was to do the new musical Los Otros last year and how much we wanted to get music back into our space this summer. Creating a cabaret for two weekends this summer was a way to do this during a time when we are usually not producing. It so happened that the first idea I had-to bring back down two of our favorite artists, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez-happily worked out.
2. Have you ever directed musicals or cabarets before?
Much of my work is in the development and directing of new musicals. I did a couple cabarets when I was first starting out, and have directed several gala performances-which requires crafting pre-existing material in the form of songs and stories to create a compelling, whole experience. I recently collaborated with writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in this type of work.
3. The shows that are being represented include EVITA, WEST SIDE STORY, LES MIS, WICKED BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, MAN OF LA MANCHA...who selected these? By the way....BRIDGES is one of my favorites.
I wanted this to be a celebration of the music and memories of two artists who have an immense body of work on the Broadway, off Broadway and regional stage in many joyous and well-known pieces, in addition to material I believe our audiences would love to hear them do and that they would get a kick out of learning. It's been a very happy rehearsal period of much laughter and exquisite singing and storytelling.
4. Have you ever worked with Judy or Philip?
Last year, I directed Los Otros; a beautiful new musical by Ellen Fitzhugh and Michael John LaChiusa at Everyman that featured Judy and Philip. It's a stunning piece about the identity, social and racial politics of two Californians covering 40+ years of their lives. Judy and Philip gave remarkable performances as Lillian and Carlos, from ages 12 into middle age. The audience adored their epic talents and warm, engaging personalities. I'm thrilled to be working with them again in a much more informal environment where they'll be performing in our spacious rehearsal room.
5. How much time will you have to rehearse with them and how does one direct something like this?
It's about selecting specific material and arrangements with the actors and creating a narrative that feels part of, comments on, enriches the space and time we are performing it in. It's about balancing humor, pathos, and fun, in the hopes of crafting an evening that can deliver a theatrical experience with the life stories of two wonderful artists. With our second collaboration, we've developed a shorthand in working together. Judy and Philip also have performed in several shows together before Los Otros, including the original Broadway production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, so there is a long relationship to build upon.
6. What are you next working on?
I have several projects in development coming up at regional theatres and in New York. Most notably at Everyman, I'm directing a really terrific play by Chelsea Marcantel-Everything is Wonderful-about an Amish family who is irrevocably transformed by a freak accident in their community. I think those who were fans of The Book of Joseph will especially be thrilled by this piece, which also involves a deeply emotional time convention and mysticism to allow a family to really see each other. It begins performances late January 2019.
FOR DAN GREEN:
1.How did you get involved with this Cabaret?
I first met Noah Himmelstein, the director, from work we had done together with the composer Andrew Lippa on his oratorio I Am Harvey Milk-this fantastic choral piece celebrating the life of the gay rights activist. I'm also a composer and Andrew has been a longtime mentor to me, so it was nice to meet Noah in that capacity. I've split my career between composing and music directing. I have a passion for both, and I've been fortunate to meet some performers, directors, etc. on projects that I was music directing that I was then able to work with on my writing, and vice versa. I have a couple musicals that are hopefully getting premiere productions in the next couple years, in New York and around the country, so stay tuned!
2. What is it like be on the piano in the pit for the hit musical WICKED?
I've been lucky to sub for several Broadway shows since moving to New York. Wicked was one of my first and, thankfully, it has enjoyed a healthy run! I'm not there every night, so it takes a while to get used to jumping back into the show, but I've played it long enough now that I can relax and enjoy it-and the crowd cheering at the top never gets old.
3. How did you enjoy being associate conductor of ROCKY and how would you define Associate Conductor.
Rocky was a fantastic experience. I started assisting the songwriters, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, before the very first reading, and stayed with the show through its development until Broadway. Associate conducting meant that I was usually playing piano, but a couple times a week would get to conduct the show. The end of the show was the epic boxing match between Rocky and Apollo and the ring actually slid out into the house, over the conductor podium! We had a little button to press to bring the podium down to the floor so we didn't get decapitated. I wish we'd been able to keep the show open longer, but all of us had a blast and I was so lucky to work on it.
4. Have you worked before with Judy and/or Philip?
This is my first time working with Judy and Philip, but they had me in stitches within minutes of our first meeting, so I know Baltimore audiences are in for a treat!
5. Will there be any other instruments besides you on the piano?
Judy and Philip are pros who have worked together before, so they know what they want out of an evening like this-my job is to give them a nice musical support system. I'll write a few arrangements of existing tunes and accompany them from the piano. It will be great to celebrate some classic Broadway songs as well as some more contemporary numbers-there should be something for everyone.
cgshubow@broadwayworld.com
Broadway Actors Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez Return to Baltimore for Everyman Theatre in a program called "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret"
Cabaret is only six performances on week-ends from July 13 t0 July 22, 2018.
I congratulate Everyman Theatre for presenting their initial Summer Cabaret which includes the stars from their wonderful production of LOS OTROS, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez. The event will be at Everyman's intimate rehearsal hall Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Judy McLane (MAMMA MIA!) and Philip Hernandez (LES MISERABLES) will be singing numbers from the Broadway songbook.
"Whether it's THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM from MAN OF LA MANCHA or familiar tunes from MAMMA MIA!, "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret" is sure to be a joyous experience" said Cabaret Director Noah Himmelstein. "We are delighted to reunite the remarkably talented stars of 2017's LOS OTROS for an evening of best loved Broadway entertainment.
Tickets are $40 for general admission (table seating) and are available online at www.everymantheatre.org, by phone at 410-752-2208 or at the Everyman Theatre Box Office (315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD.
The following is the result of questions to Hernandez, Himmelstein, and Musical Director Dan Green.
FOR PHILIP HERNANDEZ
1.How and when did you know about this Cabaret performance?
Noah Himmelstein, our director from Los Otros, called and said he was interested in having Judy and I kick off a Cabaret Series at Everyman. So, of course, I said 'Yes.'
2. You and Judy worked so well together. How do you feel about being reunited?
Working with Judy and Noah on Los Otros was a wonderful experience and I jumped at the chance to work with them both again. This is the fourth time that Judy and I will be working together. She's an exceptional talent and always a joy to work with. Everyman is a world class theatre and I'm so excited to be working here again.
FOR Noah Himmelstein:
1. How and when did you get the opportunity to direct BROADWAY FAVORITES?
As Associate Artistic Director at Everyman, I am often looking for programming that compliments the productions happening on the main stage. Vincent M. Lancisi, the Artistic Director, and I were talking about how wonderful it was to do the new musical Los Otros last year and how much we wanted to get music back into our space this summer. Creating a cabaret for two weekends this summer was a way to do this during a time when we are usually not producing. It so happened that the first idea I had-to bring back down two of our favorite artists, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez-happily worked out.
2. Have you ever directed musicals or cabarets before?
Much of my work is in the development and directing of new musicals. I did a couple cabarets when I was first starting out, and have directed several gala performances-which requires crafting pre-existing material in the form of songs and stories to create a compelling, whole experience. I recently collaborated with writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in this type of work.
3. The shows that are being represented include EVITA, WEST SIDE STORY, LES MIS, WICKED BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, MAN OF LA MANCHA...who selected these? By the way....BRIDGES is one of my favorites.
I wanted this to be a celebration of the music and memories of two artists who have an immense body of work on the Broadway, off Broadway and regional stage in many joyous and well-known pieces, in addition to material I believe our audiences would love to hear them do and that they would get a kick out of learning. It's been a very happy rehearsal period of much laughter and exquisite singing and storytelling.
4. Have you ever worked with Judy or Philip?
Last year, I directed Los Otros; a beautiful new musical by Ellen Fitzhugh and Michael John LaChiusa at Everyman that featured Judy and Philip. It's a stunning piece about the identity, social and racial politics of two Californians covering 40+ years of their lives. Judy and Philip gave remarkable performances as Lillian and Carlos, from ages 12 into middle age. The audience adored their epic talents and warm, engaging personalities. I'm thrilled to be working with them again in a much more informal environment where they'll be performing in our spacious rehearsal room.
5. How much time will you have to rehearse with them and how does one direct something like this?
It's about selecting specific material and arrangements with the actors and creating a narrative that feels part of, comments on, enriches the space and time we are performing it in. It's about balancing humor, pathos, and fun, in the hopes of crafting an evening that can deliver a theatrical experience with the life stories of two wonderful artists. With our second collaboration, we've developed a shorthand in working together. Judy and Philip also have performed in several shows together before Los Otros, including the original Broadway production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, so there is a long relationship to build upon.
6. What are you next working on?
I have several projects in development coming up at regional theatres and in New York. Most notably at Everyman, I'm directing a really terrific play by Chelsea Marcantel-Everything is Wonderful-about an Amish family who is irrevocably transformed by a freak accident in their community. I think those who were fans of The Book of Joseph will especially be thrilled by this piece, which also involves a deeply emotional time convention and mysticism to allow a family to really see each other. It begins performances late January 2019.
FOR DAN GREEN:
1.How did you get involved with this Cabaret?
I first met Noah Himmelstein, the director, from work we had done together with the composer Andrew Lippa on his oratorio I Am Harvey Milk-this fantastic choral piece celebrating the life of the gay rights activist. I'm also a composer and Andrew has been a longtime mentor to me, so it was nice to meet Noah in that capacity. I've split my career between composing and music directing. I have a passion for both, and I've been fortunate to meet some performers, directors, etc. on projects that I was music directing that I was then able to work with on my writing, and vice versa. I have a couple musicals that are hopefully getting premiere productions in the next couple years, in New York and around the country, so stay tuned!
2. What is it like be on the piano in the pit for the hit musical WICKED?
I've been lucky to sub for several Broadway shows since moving to New York. Wicked was one of my first and, thankfully, it has enjoyed a healthy run! I'm not there every night, so it takes a while to get used to jumping back into the show, but I've played it long enough now that I can relax and enjoy it-and the crowd cheering at the top never gets old.
3. How did you enjoy being associate conductor of ROCKY and how would you define Associate Conductor.
Rocky was a fantastic experience. I started assisting the songwriters, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, before the very first reading, and stayed with the show through its development until Broadway. Associate conducting meant that I was usually playing piano, but a couple times a week would get to conduct the show. The end of the show was the epic boxing match between Rocky and Apollo and the ring actually slid out into the house, over the conductor podium! We had a little button to press to bring the podium down to the floor so we didn't get decapitated. I wish we'd been able to keep the show open longer, but all of us had a blast and I was so lucky to work on it.
4. Have you worked before with Judy and/or Philip?
This is my first time working with Judy and Philip, but they had me in stitches within minutes of our first meeting, so I know Baltimore audiences are in for a treat!
5. Will there be any other instruments besides you on the piano?
Judy and Philip are pros who have worked together before, so they know what they want out of an evening like this-my job is to give them a nice musical support system. I'll write a few arrangements of existing tunes and accompany them from the piano. It will be great to celebrate some classic Broadway songs as well as some more contemporary numbers-there should be something for everyone.
cgshubow@broadwayworld.com
Broadway Actors Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez Return to Baltimore for Everyman Theatre in a program called "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret"
Cabaret is only six performances on week-ends from July 13 t0 July 22, 2018.
I congratulate Everyman Theatre for presenting their initial Summer Cabaret which includes the stars from their wonderful production of LOS OTROS, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez. The event will be at Everyman's intimate rehearsal hall Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Judy McLane (MAMMA MIA!) and Philip Hernandez (LES MISERABLES) will be singing numbers from the Broadway songbook.
"Whether it's THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM from MAN OF LA MANCHA or familiar tunes from MAMMA MIA!, "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret" is sure to be a joyous experience" said Cabaret Director Noah Himmelstein. "We are delighted to reunite the remarkably talented stars of 2017's LOS OTROS for an evening of best loved Broadway entertainment.
Tickets are $40 for general admission (table seating) and are available online at www.everymantheatre.org, by phone at 410-752-2208 or at the Everyman Theatre Box Office (315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD.
The following is the result of questions to Hernandez, Himmelstein, and Musical Director Dan Green.
FOR PHILIP HERNANDEZ
1.How and when did you know about this Cabaret performance?
Noah Himmelstein, our director from Los Otros, called and said he was interested in having Judy and I kick off a Cabaret Series at Everyman. So, of course, I said 'Yes.'
2. You and Judy worked so well together. How do you feel about being reunited?
Working with Judy and Noah on Los Otros was a wonderful experience and I jumped at the chance to work with them both again. This is the fourth time that Judy and I will be working together. She's an exceptional talent and always a joy to work with. Everyman is a world class theatre and I'm so excited to be working here again.
FOR Noah Himmelstein:
1. How and when did you get the opportunity to direct BROADWAY FAVORITES?
As Associate Artistic Director at Everyman, I am often looking for programming that compliments the productions happening on the main stage. Vincent M. Lancisi, the Artistic Director, and I were talking about how wonderful it was to do the new musical Los Otros last year and how much we wanted to get music back into our space this summer. Creating a cabaret for two weekends this summer was a way to do this during a time when we are usually not producing. It so happened that the first idea I had-to bring back down two of our favorite artists, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez-happily worked out.
2. Have you ever directed musicals or cabarets before?
Much of my work is in the development and directing of new musicals. I did a couple cabarets when I was first starting out, and have directed several gala performances-which requires crafting pre-existing material in the form of songs and stories to create a compelling, whole experience. I recently collaborated with writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in this type of work.
3. The shows that are being represented include EVITA, WEST SIDE STORY, LES MIS, WICKED BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, MAN OF LA MANCHA...who selected these? By the way....BRIDGES is one of my favorites.
I wanted this to be a celebration of the music and memories of two artists who have an immense body of work on the Broadway, off Broadway and regional stage in many joyous and well-known pieces, in addition to material I believe our audiences would love to hear them do and that they would get a kick out of learning. It's been a very happy rehearsal period of much laughter and exquisite singing and storytelling.
4. Have you ever worked with Judy or Philip?
Last year, I directed Los Otros; a beautiful new musical by Ellen Fitzhugh and Michael John LaChiusa at Everyman that featured Judy and Philip. It's a stunning piece about the identity, social and racial politics of two Californians covering 40+ years of their lives. Judy and Philip gave remarkable performances as Lillian and Carlos, from ages 12 into middle age. The audience adored their epic talents and warm, engaging personalities. I'm thrilled to be working with them again in a much more informal environment where they'll be performing in our spacious rehearsal room.
5. How much time will you have to rehearse with them and how does one direct something like this?
It's about selecting specific material and arrangements with the actors and creating a narrative that feels part of, comments on, enriches the space and time we are performing it in. It's about balancing humor, pathos, and fun, in the hopes of crafting an evening that can deliver a theatrical experience with the life stories of two wonderful artists. With our second collaboration, we've developed a shorthand in working together. Judy and Philip also have performed in several shows together before Los Otros, including the original Broadway production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, so there is a long relationship to build upon.
6. What are you next working on?
I have several projects in development coming up at regional theatres and in New York. Most notably at Everyman, I'm directing a really terrific play by Chelsea Marcantel-Everything is Wonderful-about an Amish family who is irrevocably transformed by a freak accident in their community. I think those who were fans of The Book of Joseph will especially be thrilled by this piece, which also involves a deeply emotional time convention and mysticism to allow a family to really see each other. It begins performances late January 2019.
FOR DAN GREEN:
1.How did you get involved with this Cabaret?
I first met Noah Himmelstein, the director, from work we had done together with the composer Andrew Lippa on his oratorio I Am Harvey Milk-this fantastic choral piece celebrating the life of the gay rights activist. I'm also a composer and Andrew has been a longtime mentor to me, so it was nice to meet Noah in that capacity. I've split my career between composing and music directing. I have a passion for both, and I've been fortunate to meet some performers, directors, etc. on projects that I was music directing that I was then able to work with on my writing, and vice versa. I have a couple musicals that are hopefully getting premiere productions in the next couple years, in New York and around the country, so stay tuned!
2. What is it like be on the piano in the pit for the hit musical WICKED?
I've been lucky to sub for several Broadway shows since moving to New York. Wicked was one of my first and, thankfully, it has enjoyed a healthy run! I'm not there every night, so it takes a while to get used to jumping back into the show, but I've played it long enough now that I can relax and enjoy it-and the crowd cheering at the top never gets old.
3. How did you enjoy being associate conductor of ROCKY and how would you define Associate Conductor.
Rocky was a fantastic experience. I started assisting the songwriters, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, before the very first reading, and stayed with the show through its development until Broadway. Associate conducting meant that I was usually playing piano, but a couple times a week would get to conduct the show. The end of the show was the epic boxing match between Rocky and Apollo and the ring actually slid out into the house, over the conductor podium! We had a little button to press to bring the podium down to the floor so we didn't get decapitated. I wish we'd been able to keep the show open longer, but all of us had a blast and I was so lucky to work on it.
4. Have you worked before with Judy and/or Philip?
This is my first time working with Judy and Philip, but they had me in stitches within minutes of our first meeting, so I know Baltimore audiences are in for a treat!
5. Will there be any other instruments besides you on the piano?
Judy and Philip are pros who have worked together before, so they know what they want out of an evening like this-my job is to give them a nice musical support system. I'll write a few arrangements of existing tunes and accompany them from the piano. It will be great to celebrate some classic Broadway songs as well as some more contemporary numbers-there should be something for everyone.
cgshubow@broadwayworld.com
Broadway Actors Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez Return to Baltimore for Everyman Theatre in a program called "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret"
Cabaret is only six performances on week-ends from July 13 t0 July 22, 2018.
I congratulate Everyman Theatre for presenting their initial Summer Cabaret which includes the stars from their wonderful production of LOS OTROS, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez. The event will be at Everyman's intimate rehearsal hall Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Judy McLane (MAMMA MIA!) and Philip Hernandez (LES MISERABLES) will be singing numbers from the Broadway songbook.
"Whether it's THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM from MAN OF LA MANCHA or familiar tunes from MAMMA MIA!, "Broadway Favorites: A Summer Cabaret" is sure to be a joyous experience" said Cabaret Director Noah Himmelstein. "We are delighted to reunite the remarkably talented stars of 2017's LOS OTROS for an evening of best loved Broadway entertainment.
Tickets are $40 for general admission (table seating) and are available online at www.everymantheatre.org, by phone at 410-752-2208 or at the Everyman Theatre Box Office (315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD.
The following is the result of questions to Hernandez, Himmelstein, and Musical Director Dan Green.
FOR PHILIP HERNANDEZ
1.How and when did you know about this Cabaret performance?
Noah Himmelstein, our director from Los Otros, called and said he was interested in having Judy and I kick off a Cabaret Series at Everyman. So, of course, I said 'Yes.'
2. You and Judy worked so well together. How do you feel about being reunited?
Working with Judy and Noah on Los Otros was a wonderful experience and I jumped at the chance to work with them both again. This is the fourth time that Judy and I will be working together. She's an exceptional talent and always a joy to work with. Everyman is a world class theatre and I'm so excited to be working here again.
FOR Noah Himmelstein:
1. How and when did you get the opportunity to direct BROADWAY FAVORITES?
As Associate Artistic Director at Everyman, I am often looking for programming that compliments the productions happening on the main stage. Vincent M. Lancisi, the Artistic Director, and I were talking about how wonderful it was to do the new musical Los Otros last year and how much we wanted to get music back into our space this summer. Creating a cabaret for two weekends this summer was a way to do this during a time when we are usually not producing. It so happened that the first idea I had-to bring back down two of our favorite artists, Judy McLane and Philip Hernandez-happily worked out.
2. Have you ever directed musicals or cabarets before?
Much of my work is in the development and directing of new musicals. I did a couple cabarets when I was first starting out, and have directed several gala performances-which requires crafting pre-existing material in the form of songs and stories to create a compelling, whole experience. I recently collaborated with writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty in this type of work.
3. The shows that are being represented include EVITA, WEST SIDE STORY, LES MIS, WICKED BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, MAN OF LA MANCHA...who selected these? By the way....BRIDGES is one of my favorites.
I wanted this to be a celebration of the music and memories of two artists who have an immense body of work on the Broadway, off Broadway and regional stage in many joyous and well-known pieces, in addition to material I believe our audiences would love to hear them do and that they would get a kick out of learning. It's been a very happy rehearsal period of much laughter and exquisite singing and storytelling.
4. Have you ever worked with Judy or Philip?
Last year, I directed Los Otros; a beautiful new musical by Ellen Fitzhugh and Michael John LaChiusa at Everyman that featured Judy and Philip. It's a stunning piece about the identity, social and racial politics of two Californians covering 40+ years of their lives. Judy and Philip gave remarkable performances as Lillian and Carlos, from ages 12 into middle age. The audience adored their epic talents and warm, engaging personalities. I'm thrilled to be working with them again in a much more informal environment where they'll be performing in our spacious rehearsal room.
5. How much time will you have to rehearse with them and how does one direct something like this?
It's about selecting specific material and arrangements with the actors and creating a narrative that feels part of, comments on, enriches the space and time we are performing it in. It's about balancing humor, pathos, and fun, in the hopes of crafting an evening that can deliver a theatrical experience with the life stories of two wonderful artists. With our second collaboration, we've developed a shorthand in working together. Judy and Philip also have performed in several shows together before Los Otros, including the original Broadway production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, so there is a long relationship to build upon.
6. What are you next working on?
I have several projects in development coming up at regional theatres and in New York. Most notably at Everyman, I'm directing a really terrific play by Chelsea Marcantel-Everything is Wonderful-about an Amish family who is irrevocably transformed by a freak accident in their community. I think those who were fans of The Book of Joseph will especially be thrilled by this piece, which also involves a deeply emotional time convention and mysticism to allow a family to really see each other. It begins performances late January 2019.
FOR DAN GREEN:
1.How did you get involved with this Cabaret?
I first met Noah Himmelstein, the director, from work we had done together with the composer Andrew Lippa on his oratorio I Am Harvey Milk-this fantastic choral piece celebrating the life of the gay rights activist. I'm also a composer and Andrew has been a longtime mentor to me, so it was nice to meet Noah in that capacity. I've split my career between composing and music directing. I have a passion for both, and I've been fortunate to meet some performers, directors, etc. on projects that I was music directing that I was then able to work with on my writing, and vice versa. I have a couple musicals that are hopefully getting premiere productions in the next couple years, in New York and around the country, so stay tuned!
2. What is it like be on the piano in the pit for the hit musical WICKED?
I've been lucky to sub for several Broadway shows since moving to New York. Wicked was one of my first and, thankfully, it has enjoyed a healthy run! I'm not there every night, so it takes a while to get used to jumping back into the show, but I've played it long enough now that I can relax and enjoy it-and the crowd cheering at the top never gets old.
3. How did you enjoy being associate conductor of ROCKY and how would you define Associate Conductor.
Rocky was a fantastic experience. I started assisting the songwriters, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, before the very first reading, and stayed with the show through its development until Broadway. Associate conducting meant that I was usually playing piano, but a couple times a week would get to conduct the show. The end of the show was the epic boxing match between Rocky and Apollo and the ring actually slid out into the house, over the conductor podium! We had a little button to press to bring the podium down to the floor so we didn't get decapitated. I wish we'd been able to keep the show open longer, but all of us had a blast and I was so lucky to work on it.
4. Have you worked before with Judy and/or Philip?
This is my first time working with Judy and Philip, but they had me in stitches within minutes of our first meeting, so I know Baltimore audiences are in for a treat!
5. Will there be any other instruments besides you on the piano?
Judy and Philip are pros who have worked together before, so they know what they want out of an evening like this-my job is to give them a nice musical support system. I'll write a few arrangements of existing tunes and accompany them from the piano. It will be great to celebrate some classic Broadway songs as well as some more contemporary numbers-there should be something for everyone.
cgshubow@broadwayworld.com
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