New Donna Summer Musical Starts Tonight at La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse presents the world-premiere production of SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, featuring book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Playhouse Director Emeritus Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, The Who's Tommy); directed by Des McAnuff; choreographed by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Memphis, Jersey Boys), with musical supervision by Ron Melrose.
Abigail Rockwell to Continue NYC Jazz Debut in September
Jazz singer/songwriter Abigail Rockwell, granddaughter of beloved American illustrator Norman Rockwell, will continue her New York cabaret debut on Thursday, September 3rd at 7 pm at the Metropolitan Room in "Bring In The Spring!". Her first show was in late April and now she returns this fall with two more shows. Ms. Rockwell will take the stage to share her songs - an eclectic mix of standards and original compositions - and her story after a long battle for truth contending with the recent fraudulent biography of her grandfather. Sean Harkness, her musical director, will accompany her on guitar. The show is directed by Bill Castellino.
BWW Reviews: Jerry Sharell & Randall Phillips Are Winning @ Sterling's
On Sunday October 30 Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's presented a unique treat in cabaret with the dual sounds of Broadway's Randall Phillips and pop singer Jerry Sharell in Together Again. Musical direction was by the wonderful Todd Schroeder on piano with Bill Brendle on keyboard, Jack LeCompte on drums, Tim Christensen on bass, and Tony Mandracchia on guitar.
Singer/TV Writer Maxine Lapiduss Makes Triumphant Return to Cabaret @ Sterling's
On Sunday January 30 comedienne/singer Maxine Lapiduss brought a new show to Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's and received what few performers ever do in LA cabaret - a thunderous heartfelt standing ovation. This is one funny lady who can sing up a storm and make you laugh until your pants split. What an entertainer! Backed by an eight-piece orchestra under the musical direction of wonderful Michael Orland, Lapiduss wowed the SRO room with her nonstop hilarious comedy about life in LA, the fear of living and the need to change. Funny, yes, and with the delivery of a caring yet sarcastic next-door neighbor, she is down-to-earth, sassy and easy to like.