Q&A with Andrea Burns on IN THE HEIGHTS, Her Actors' Fund Concert at Feinstein's and More!

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post will continue its 10th Anniversary with "The Actors Fund Broadway Series" on Monday nights from April 27 through the Tony Awards. To help raise money for The Actors Fund, the club will feature such Broadway luminaries as James Barbour, Andrea Burns, The Cast of [title of show], Julia Murney and Norm Lewis. All admission proceeds will go directly to the assistance of professionals in performing arts and entertainment in times of need, crisis or transition.

Andrea Burns, who appears on May 4 at the famed club, began her career touring the opera houses of Europe as Maria in West Side Story. Since then she has appeared on Broadway as Daniela in In The Heights, as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and as Vicki Nichols in The Full Monty. She has appeared in concerts at Carnegie Hall and many other symphonic halls across the country. She can also be heard on the original cast recordings of Songs for A New World, Saturday Night, Shine, Broadway Bound, The Broadway Musicals of 1953, and It's Only Life as well as her debut solo album A Deeper Shade of Red.

How are things going with IN THE HEIGHTS?

Fantastic. The houses are still full and now that we're in our second year, we have some new faces in the "barrio". The show seems to be a magnet for open, loving people who are excellent at what they do. Along with all of the originals, each new cast member that walks into this company manages to inspire me in some way.

What has the last year been like since the show won the Tony Award?

We've had so much fun! An amazing perk of winning the Best Musical Tony is that The Audiences are excited to be there before the show even starts. The energy is palpable and we make the most of it. We've also had the pleasure of great backstage visits with celebrities ranging from Don Francisco, the host of the show "Sabado Gigante" to Bill and Hilary Clinton. It's a ball. We joke around backstage that "In The Heights" is not a job, it's a "Party Con Pay" which is a Spanglish way of saying "party with a paycheck!"

How long are you currently scheduled to be with the show?

I have just re-signed for another year. I can't get enough of this experience. This show fills my heart onstage and backstage. It's the best.

What was the experience like of recording ‘A Deeper Shade of Red'?

Recording a solo album involves so many gifted people. I was very lucky to be under the loving and brilliant wing of Tommy Krasker at PS Classics. 

The talent I was surrounded by was mind-boggling. Steve Marzullo music directed, Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote a song, Jason Robert Brown, Alex Lacamoire, Larry Hochman were arrangers. All this plus getting to sing with John Pizzarelli. It was positively dreamy and I can't wait to do it again.

How did this concert come about?

Tim Pinckney of the Actors' Fund had seen my show at Joe's Pub and loved it. When this series at Feinstein's came up, he thought it would be a great match.

What is some of what audiences can expect to hear at Feinstein's on May 4th?

It's an eclectic evening. I celebrate my heroes, which include, female singer/songwriters of the 1970's, my Latina mom, my Jewish dad, and quite frankly, Elaine Stritch.

Any special guests or are you flying solo?

I'll be up there with my pal Steve Marzullo, who music directed my album and our great band.

How do you feel about taking to the legendary Feinstein's stage?

I walked in to rehearse yesterday and saw all of the Barbara Cook posters around about her upcoming show and quickly gulped. I think that's when it hit me. It's a breathtaking thrill.

Why is supporting the Actors' Fund so important to you?

I support the Actor's Fund because the Actor's Fund has supported me. The fund helped me once in the past and I have never forgotten that.

Is there anything else that you'd like to add for your many BroadwayWorld.com fans?

I'm a Venezuelan Jewess from Miami Beach who grew up loving Broadway. I have stories to tell! C'mon over!

THE ACTORS FUND is a national human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund - which supports those on stage and screen and everyone behind the scenes who works in theatre, film, TV, music, dance, radio and opera - is a safety net, providing social services and emergency assistance, health services and health insurance information, employment and training programs and housing resources for those who are in need, crisis or transition. Learn more about all of The Actors Fund's services and programs at www.actorsfund.org.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY will present "THE ACTORS FUND BROADWAY SERIES" on Monday nights from April 27 - June 1. Please Note: There will be no show Monday, May 25. All shows begin at 8:30 PM. There will be a $40 cover with special $60 premium seats available, in addition to a $25.00 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. FEINSTEIN'S AT THE REGENCY is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.