Photo Coverage: Brian Stokes Mitchell Brings PLAYS WITH MUSIC to Feinstein's/54 Below
The preview of the magnificent things to come happens when Brian Stokes Mitchell sings the first song of his current show at Feinstein's/54 Below. It's the Irving Berlin classic “There's No Business Like Show Business”. I'm sure if Berlin ever heard the Stokes version he would bow down in tribute to the thrilling performance and unique revisit that the Tony Award Winner and consummate artist has brought to his 1954 tune written for Ethel Merman in Annie Get Your Gun. Stokes navigates the innovative Tedd Firth arrangement and makes you feel excited, awestruck, and comfortable as his rich baritone voice effortlessly glides through the constant time signature and key changes. This current show at 54 is titled Brian Stokes Mitchell Plays With Music-Holiday and Stokes brings his acting, musicianship, and charismatic personality to make every tune on his song list a moving experience. The New York Times has dubbed Brian Stokes Mitchell as Broadway's “Last Leading Man” but Stokes is even much more than that. He's Chairman of the Board of The Actors Fund. He has a unique ability to bring people together and that theme is constant throughout his show. His encore at this performance was “What A Wonderful World” and the SRO audience left feeling that way mainly because Brian Stokes Mitchell is in it.
Photo/Video: Get A First Look At The Broadway-Bound CAGNEY at Pioneer Theatre Company
BroadwayWorld has a first look at the Broadway-bound production of Cagney, based on the life of Academy Award® winner James Cagney, launches Pioneer Theatre Company's (Artistic Director, Karen Azenberg & Managing Director, Chris Massimine) season this Fall. Opening Friday, September 20, the limited engagement runs through October 5. Tickets are available as part of a season subscription package by calling (801) 581-6961 or by visiting pioneertheatre.org.
Photo Coverage: Michael Feinstein's Musical Soiree To Benefit The Great American Songbook Foundation
There are many organizations that have been established to preserve our musical heritage and at the forefront of those that specialize in The Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein's foundation is one of the most important and influential. Last night at a private event Michael entertained for a Park Avenue apartment full of generous New Yorkers who had gathered to help support The Great American Songbook Foundation founded by Michael in 2007.
Original New York Cast to Dance CAGNEY to the West Coast
In honor of Hollywood's 'tough guy in tap shoes' James Cagney, who would have turned 118 today, producer Riki Kane Larimer (On The Town, Gigi, West End's Memphis) announced the West Coast Premiere of the hit musical CAGNEY.
Photo Coverage: Lorna Luft, Liza Minnelli & More Perform at LORNA'S PINK PARTY!
The Actors Fund, the nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment, last night presented the 2013 edition of Nothing Like a Dame: Lorna's Pink Party, a benefit for the Phyllis NewmanWomen's Health Initiative and the Dr. Philomena McAndrew Fund of Tower Cancer Research Foundation. This highly anticipated event, starring entertainment legend Lorna Luft with her special guest Liza Minnelli will continue on Monday, October 21st at 7 pm, at Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, New York City.
BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the concert below!
Photo Flash: Sean Penn, Hal Holbrook, et al. Celebrate Tonys on West Coast
'Who would have thought that a young boy from Weymouth would become part of such a large family of vagabonds,' remarked Hal Holbrook about the actors and industry professionals that gathered to honor him at the 15th annual TONY Award party in Los Angeles. 'Not all of us have been lucky enough to make a steady income from this profession we love so much. It's nice to know an organization such as the Actors Fund exists to watch our backs, while we concentrate on using our craft to make the world a richer place to live,' added Holbrook just after friend and colleague, Sean Penn, presented the accomplished thespian with the Julie Harris Award. Penn, who directed Holbrook in 'Into The Wild,' said 'Hal always got it in the first take, but you wanted him to do it again, just so you could watch him work.'
Photo Coverage: Bening Honors Stokes Mitchell at Actor's Fund Tonys Benefit
As the theatrical community of NY gathered on the Great White Way to celebrate their own for the 2010 TONY AWARDS, the Los Angeles thespian society congregated 3000 miles away to cheer their colleagues via a LIVE feed, courtesy of Direct TV, as THE ACTORS FUND and host Tommy Tune honored TONY Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell at their 14th Annual Tony Awards Party with the Julie Harris Award. Former High School chum and dance partner Annette Bening presented the award in recognition of not only 'Stokes' theatrical accomplishments, but also his leadership as Chairman of the Board of The Actors Fund. The gala, which included a memorable performance of 'You Made Me Love You' by Lorna Luft dedicated to the evening's honoree, was produced and written by Marc Cherry and David Rambo.
Jessica Lange Set To Star In 'The Big Valley' Film
Two-time Oscar winner Jessica Lange is set to star in film of The Big Valley. Lange will play Victoria Barkley, the widowed matriarch of the wealthy, influential Barkley family living in 19th century Stockton in California's central valley, a role created by Barbara Stanwyck.
Photo Flash: The BraveHeart Awards With Carol Channing
'I have been told that actors shouldn't work with animals or children ... Well, they should also never follow Carol Channing!' declared actress Stefanie Powers of the theatrical icon upon taking the stage after the audience had been on their feet for the second extended standing ovation for the legend.
Photo Flash: 'Falsettos' Actor's Fund LA Concert 9/8
On Saturday, September 8 at 8 PM at the Wilshire Theatre (8440 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills), The Actors' Fund presented a one-night-only engagement of Falsettos, with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Finn and James Lapine.