Broadway's Michael Arden made the West Coast debut of his "Blue" concert this past weekend with two sold out evenings at Upright Cabaret in Los Angeles.
In the tradition of Rufus Wainwright's Judy Garland Carnegie Hall concert, and Shoshana Bean: A Happening , "Blue" is Arden's presentation of Joni Mitchell's seminal album "Blue" performed in its entirety with new arrangements by Todd Almond.
When "Blue" was released in June, 1971 it was hailed as instant classic, critically and commercially, a potent culmination of her career. The record expressed her depressed assessments of the world balanced by notions of exuberant romantic love. Includes hit songs like "River", "All I Want", "A Case of You" and many more. In addition to performing "Blue," Arden also treated the audience to additional selections from Joni Mitchell's song book including "He Comes For Conversation" and "Both Sides Now."
Michael Arden will next be seen performing at the La Mirada Theatre in Los Angeles as part of Upright Cabaret's 'American Icon Series' opposite Tony Nominee Valarie Pettiford and Matt Cusson, and next Spring at the Roundabout Theatre Company's Studio 54 in 'Sondheim on Sondheim' opposite Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams and Leslie Kritzer.
Visit www.uprightcabaret.com or www.roundaboutheatre.org for more information.
Michael Arden and Nikki Tomlinson
Michael Arden and his band
Michael Arden at Upright Cabaret
Michael Arden, Jaqui Polk, Nikki Tomlinson, Reade Willis, and Willis Cloy perform at Upright Cabaret
Becky Baeling and Neil Patrick Harris
Michael Arden, Becky Baeling and Neil Patrick Harris
Dan Jinks and Michael Arden
Ty Taylor and Valarie Pettiford
Valarie Pettiford and Michael Arden
Michael Arden with Upright Cabaret producers Shane Scheel and Chris Isaacson
Michael Arden and his band (L-R): Michael Arden, Todd Almond, Jaqui Polk, Nalle Colt, Nikki Tomlinson, Reade Willis, Willis Cloy
Videos