Stephen Cole News

That bundle of Broadway-centric bubbliness, Klea Blackhurst banished the winter blues at Birdland. Her thrillingly big voice and selection of joyful showtunes provided a firecracker evening of entertainment on 1/27.

Matthew Martin Ward has made a name for himself as an accomplished Musical Director for many of New York’s cabaret performers, and now, he has taken center stage with his debut solo cabaret “What I Love” on Saturday September 14. When delivering patter, Ward’s distinctive wit was evident, with his deadpan comic delivery landing every time.

Set backstage during the out-of-town chaos of Lerner and Loewe’s now-classic 1960 musical, One More Seat at the Round Table portrays the struggles of feisty drama school grad Jane Conroy, who lands a plum Gal Friday job, and Bryce Christmas, a gifted, if insecure, actor on the verge of his big break.

Today’s subject Stephen Cole is an accomplished lyricist, performer, and book writer. You can now add novelist to that already impressive list of accomplishments. Stephen Cole’s latest literary endeavor takes us back to the Golden Age of Broadway with his first novel entitled Mary & Ethel…and Mikey Who?. The book is now available everywhere for purchase in both hardcover and digital versions.

Irving Berlin's songs continue to fill the air. Let's toast him on the anniversary of his birth, May 11.

Musical comedy history roared to life when Klea Blackhurst brought the songs and sass and stories of Ethel Merman. The tables were full, the stage was filled with energy at Chelsea Table + Stage. She's coming back there with a survey of songwriter Vernon Duke on April 14 and Jerry Herman later this spring.

Mary & Ethel...and Mikey Who? is a good read (or listen). Come travel through time in a new work of historical fiction and fun, full of Broadway and spice and sweetness.

On January 16, 2024, Moreclacke Publishers (Robert Armin, President) released the hardcover, Kindle and audio version (performed by the great Anita Gillette) of MARY & ETHEL...and Mikey Who? by Stephen Cole. Check out photos from the launch party here!

Chicago's Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man and his Music continues with the “Cole Porter as a Gay Icon,” notable Cole Porter fans, Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts and Peter Filichia, discuss Porter as a gay artist working in the 1920s-50s, hosted by Porchlight’s Producing Artistic Associate Frankie Leo Bennett. Watch the discussion here!

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has revealed new programs throughout the months of January and February.

Although Goin' Hollywood was wonderfully performed, the ambitious new musical's story just couldn't match the efforts of its designers and actors.

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Shane Peterman and Associate Producer Elizabeth Kensek have announced casting and creative details for the world premiere of GOIN’ HOLLYWOOD, a new musical by Stephen Cole & David Krane. 

Shane Peterman, Producing Artistic Director has announced details of the Company’s 2022-2023 Season.  This season marks the 27th for WaterTower Theatre, and the fourth season programmed by Producing Artistic Director Shane Peterman & Associate Producer Elizabeth Kensek.  

This is the unbelievably true story of the rise of the famous Catskills resort, Grossingers, through the efforts of that one-of-a-kind-woman, Jennie Grossinger. Laugh (alot), and cry, and cheer as Jennie and her family succeed, fail, and stun the world with their unprecedented and unrivaled success as premiere resort owners and the creators of The Borscht Belt.

Porchlight Music Theatre has announced its schedule for fall 2020, offering a variety of free and pay-to-view options for virtual experiences.

Richard Skipper Celebrates Barbara Minkus tonight, Tuesday evening August 18, 7 PM ET/4PM PT, streaming LIVE.

Madrid's opera house, the Teatro Real, was one of the first in Europe to reopen amidst the health crisis. Director general Ignacio García-Belenguer recently chatted with The Agenda's Stephen Cole about the venue's latest productions, and why they feel very different for singers, musicians and audiences. 

Stars in the House continues today (2pm) with a Regional Theatre Spotlight On: WaterTower Theatre - Addison, TX.  Hosted by Elizabeth Kensek and Shane Peterman with Stephen Cole, Christine Cornish Smith, Larry Gatlin, Brian Gonzales, David Krane, Phyllis Cicero and Doug Wright.

This Weekend (August 15-16) in live streaming: Stephanie J. Block sings with Seth Rudetsky, Carrie reunites on Stars in the House, and so much more!

Tony Award Winner Ali Stroker (Broadway: Oklahoma; Deaf West's Spring Awakening); Lilli Cooper (Broadway: Tootsie, Tony Nominee; Spongebob Squarepants), Teal Wicks (Broadway: The Cher Show; Finding Neverland), Ciara Renee (Broadway: Frozen; Big Fish), Eric William Morris (Broadway: King Kong), Alyse Alan Louis (Broadway: Amelie; The Public: Soft Power), Danny Gardner (Broadway: On the Town), Jennifer Blood (Broadway: Matilda; Violet), Alexis Floyd (a?oeThe Bold Typea??) have joined this week's lineup for Seniorly Presents: Curtain Up! a live show created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.