BWW Reviews: Robyn Spangler Sparkles in Linda Ronstadt Tribute Show at Metropolitan Room
During her recent two-night run at the Metropolitan Room (July 11, 12), Los Angeles-based nightclub singer and actress Robyn Spangler gingerly walked the tribute show tightrope and made it to the other side intact. Her show 'Why I Love Linda Ronstadt' - which earned her a 2011 BroadwayWorld.com honor as L.A.'s 'Best Female Cabaret Artist - was an honest and heartfelt homage to her singing heroine. Her Ronstadt show hit almost all the right tribute notes, with solid arrangements from her Musical Director/Pianist Todd Schroeder (who also provided nifty backup vocals) that were reverential without being replications.
SHINE! THE HORATIO ALGER MUSICAL Begins 10/7
SHINE! The Horatio Alger Musical with a Book by Richard Seff; Music by Roger Dean Anderson and Lyrics by Lee Goldsmith is being presented by Other Side Productions (Peter Mercurio, Chuck Blasius - Co-Artistic Directors) as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival at The Theater at St. Clements, 423 West 46th Street. The director is Peter Flynn and the choreographer is Devanand Janki. With a highly melodic, hummable and bouncy score with bright lyrics, "SHINE the Horatio Alger Musical", has tons of period atmosphere, nostalgic charm, comedy and entertainment. It is a hope and dreams musical with a touch of "Annie", a smidgen of "Oliver", a dash of "Tintypes" as well as a smattering of musical joys that will delight! A multi-talented cast of 18 makes this one of the largest of the festival productions. Performances will be: Thurs. 10/7 at 8pm; Sat. 10/9 at 5pm; Mon. 10/11, at 9pm; Fri. 10/15, at 1pm; Sat. 10/16, at 9pm and Sun. 10/17 at 3pm.