The Zipper Factory Announces Events For January 2009
By: Gabrielle Sierra Dec. 18, 2008
THE ZIPPER FACTORY THEATER (336 West 37th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues) will present the following entertainment events in January 2009.
With Yozmit, Rosewood, Queen La Quiefa and Glenn MarlaSaturday, January 3 at 10:30 P.M.Tickets: $15Don't miss breakout neo-burlesque star Narcissister in LadyLike, her first evening-length show of neo-burlesque performances. Since the 2007 summer season at Spiegeltent, Narcissister has shocked and awed downtown audiences with her seamlessly executed displays of what can only be called spectacle femininity. Enlisting the world and her audiences as her accessories (in every sense of that word), Narcissister enthralls, thrills and delights as she exposes issues of black female subjectivity and the media's clutch on the supply and management of sexuality and sensation.
In addition to performing nightly at The Box, Narcissister has presented work in the Weimar New York shows at The Spiegeltent and Joe's Pub, the Deitch Parade, The Kitchen Highline Festival, and at many of New York's most popular burlesque venues and soirees. Joining her during this grand provocation at The Zipper are a hand-picked bill of Narcissister's favorite body artists including notorious gender-bender Rosewood, Korean singer and interdisciplinary performance artist Yozmit, the vaginal chanteuse Queen La Quiefa, Glenn Marla, New York City's hottest fat go-go boy and beauty pageant queen and Video Art by Honeygun Labs. Call it a shimmy, a shake or paradigmatic psychic split, if all the gyrations and glittering accoutrements (see Narcissister's 8 ft. tall set piece mimicking a woman's thighs and buttocks) don't send your head spinning, the smart subtext surely will.
JASON WEBLEY
With special guests Corn Mo and Sxip ShireyTuesday, January 6 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $15Punk accordionist and world troubadour Jason Webley is described by the Seattle Times as "one of Seattle's most talented musicians, a singer-songwriter with a rare gift for crafting timeless songs that approach Waits and Leonard Cohen territory." His relentless touring schedule has built him a cult following all over North America, Europe and Australia, as well as a bizarrely large and loyal following in Russia. Known for bellowing out apocalyptic dirges in a sandpaper baritone to the accompaniment of his squeezebox and the stomping of his feet, Webley's true specialty is involving his audience in his music. Almost all of his concerts end with the entire crowd locked arm-in-arm, ecstatically singing at the tops of their lungs. Webley frequently tours with his friends the Dresden Dolls and has recently shared stages with Architecture in Helsinki, the Avett Brothers and Regina Spektor. He has just released his fifth full-length album, "The Cost of Living" on his own independent Eleven Records label.
Jason will be joined by New York friends, Sxip Shirey and Corn Mo. Sxip Shirey is multi-instrumentalist, sound sculptor and circus composer as well as the guitarist in Luminescent Orchestrii. Corn Mo is a pianist, accordionist, songwriter and story teller. He has toured all over with folks such as Ben Folds and They Might Be Giants with his unbelievable voice and his inimitable style.
For more information, visit www.jasonwebley.com / www.sxipshirey.com / www.cornmo.com.
THE MANHATTAN MONOLOGUE SLAMWednesday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets: $15"Get Slammed The Right Way!" - BackstageThe Manhattan Monologue Slam is the country's only theatre slam and a monthly bi-coastal event with shows both in New York City and Los Angeles. It is produced, directed and hosted by the shows creators, The Galinsky Brothers; Executive Producer, Terry Schnuck; and co-produced in LA by Braxton Pope.
Set One: The Manhattan Monologue Slam Championship Set is hosted by Robert Galinsky and features 8 pre-booked actors performing one three-minute monologue. What's at stake? The tag of "The Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion," prize money, a sit-down with any one of that evening's judges for a career consultation, and the challenge of defending the title and trophy in next month's show.
Set Two: 30-Second Audience Slam, hosted by Phillip Galinsky, is an outrageous set of audience actors who sign up to perform that night. Each actor's performance doubles as entertainment and as an audition to perform in the championship set in the next show, in addition to also winning cash and prizes. SHOW UP - SIGN UP - AND PERFORM! For more information, visit www.mmslam.com.
THE WET SPOTSThursday, January 8 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $20Picture a husband and wife team from the golden age of comedy. Now picture them singing sweetly about threesomes and taking it in the ass. Internationally acclaimed cabaret duo The Wet Spots (Cass King and John Woods) write the most elegant songs about sex that you will ever hear. The pair presents an image that is vaudevillian, oversexed, and weirdly Canadian: Think sex club by way of Monty Python. Using a lively blend of risqué-yet-elegant original songs, audience interaction, spankings and sing-along's, The Wet Spots draw their fans into a world where the libido is celebrated and satirized.
THINGS TO RUINFriday, January 9 at 8:00 P.M.; Friday, January 16 at 8:00 P.M.; Friday, January 23 at 11:00 P.M.; Friday, January 30 at 8:00 P.M.; Friday, February 6 at 11:00 P.M.; Friday, February 13 at 8:00 P.M.; Friday, February 20 at 11:00 P.M.; Friday, February 27 at 8:00 P.M. Tickets: $20"Humorous, vital music that kicks 1960's-style pop tunefulness with hard post-punk beats. Emerging young theater composer Joe Iconis recalls the excitement that in earlier days that surrounded Marc Shaiman, Jonathan Larson and Jason Robert Brown." - The New York Times
"Iconis seems hell-bent on finding all the commonly shared emotional moments that nobody else has yet set to music. It's so much fun that it's a little overwhelming - ‘transporting' is probably the best word." - Variety
Things To Ruin returns to The Zipper in 09 for weekly performances due to popular demand. An incendiary collection of songs by Kleban and Larson Award Winner Joe Iconis (ReWrite, The Black Suits), T2R is a theatrical rock concert about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don't have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to. Directed by John Simpkins and performed by a cast of viciously talented young singers and a highly flammable four-piece band led by Joe himself, Things to Ruin rocks with an occasionally profane and always heartfelt explosion of music and high drama. Starring Nick Blaemire, Katrina Rose Dideriksen, Badia Farha, Sarah Glendening, Ian Kagey, Lance Rubin, Brent Stranathan, Mike Pettry, Eric William Morris and Jason "SweetTooth" Williams. Produced by Sara Katz.THE LISPS: FUTURITYFriday, January 9 at 10:00 P.M.
Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 P.M.Tickets: $15FUTURITY is an original indie-rock musical by Brooklyn-based foursome The Lisps. A theatrically staged song cycle, FUTURITY tells the story of a Union soldier in the Civil War who is an aspiring science fiction writer. The work fuses traditional Americana, found text, experimental music, and The Lisps' own brand of quirky co-ed pop.
FUTURITY tells the story of Julian Munro, a lowly foot soldier in the American Civil War, and a writer with an imagination so powerful that it borders on delusion. Through the double narrative of Julian's wartime experience ripping up Confederate railroads in southwestern Virginia, and the grimly futuristic novel he writes along the way, the musical weaves an ominous and bizarre tale of destruction, creation, and utopianism.
The Lisps released their latest record, "Country Doctor Museum," to a sold-out crowd at Joe's Pub in January of 2008. After a five-week national tour, performances at SXSW, and being named one of New York's "8 Bands to Watch," by The L Magazine, the band took a five-month break to write new material. What emerged from that break was a full-fledged musical grown from The Lisps' unique approach to song and stagecraft. FUTURITY is directed by Dyana Kimball with musical direction by César Alvarez. The performance stars the members of The Lisps (César Alvarez, Eric Farber, Jeremy Hoevenaar and Sammy Tunis) in addition to a 9-member chorus of singers, actors and musicians.
¡GAYTINO!Saturday, January 10 at 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, January 11 at 7:00 P.M.Tickets: $25¡Gaytino!, written and performed by Dan Guerrero, will have its Off-Broadway premiere at The Zipper, with Obie winner Diane Rodriguez directing what the Washington Post called "a disarming twist on the triumph-of-the-human-spirit theme." ¡Gaytino! was originally produced by the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, where it premiered in 2006. Since then, it has toured to more than a dozen cities around the country. From Mariachi to Merman, Sondheim to César Chávez: this remarkable life journey takes you from East LA in the 1950s to New York's Great White Way in the '60s & '70s, and back to Hollywood. A father/son relationship and a treasured boyhood friendship drive this 75-minute, autobiographical solo play with music through decades of Chicano history and the gay experience from a unique and personal perspective. Touching, hilarious and absolutely one-of-a-kind, Dan Guerrero brings his two disparate worlds together in one riveting show. Mark Sendroff, Carl D. White and David Gersten present this NYC debut. For more information, visit www.gaytino.com.
Justin Bond: RITES!Sunday, January 11 at 9:30 P.M.
Sunday, January 18 at 9:30 P.M.
Sunday, January 25 at 9:30 P.M.Tickets: $25The inimitable Justin Bond brings his original show RITES!, the "soundtrack to the trans-neo-pagan revolution" to The Zipper. Joining the Tony-nominated Bond is his critically acclaimed musical director, Our Lady J.
Andrew Byrne: MOCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE
Its Lifts and DesecratesMonday, January 12 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $15Composer Andrew Byrne brings his unique brand of musical parody back to The Zipper (where his Exposed premiered last October). Combining the irreverence of Forbidden Broadway with the daring of Kiki and Herb, Mock You Like A Hurricane has music and lyrics by Mr. Byrne, additional lyrics by Mark Blankenship and Lisa Rothauser, and is directed by Amy Rogers. Andrew and company will leave you humming, cheering, and blushing . . . in sixteen bars or less.
VAGABOND OPERA
With Walter Sicket and The Army of Broken Toys
Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 P.M.
Tickets: $15European Cabaret! Vintage Americana! Balkan Belly Dance! Neo-Classical Opera! Old World Yiddish Theater! Welcome to the six-piece, Portland, Oregon-based Vagabond Opera. Bohemian Cabaret ensemble Vagabond Opera is described by the Washington Post as "A band of ceaseless charisma, boundless energy, impeccable musicianship and more than a little touch of both the naughty and exotic." The group delivers passionate offerings of Bohemian cabaret for young and old. Paris hot jazz, gut bucket swing, tangos, Ukrainian folk-punk ballads, klezmer and vigorous originals meet a world of riverboat gambling queens, Turkish belly dancers, and the enigmatic Marlene Dietrich. Weaving elements of Kurt Weil, Duke Ellington and Edith Piaf with absurdist flair, theatrics and an old world mood, Vagabond Opera presents the new wave of opera-lusty voices singing in 13 languages and presenting a cabaret of rich musical phrasing, sparkling lyrics and indomitable stage presence, all played with exuberance, skill and a gritty Vagabond edge. This is Opera liberated and reinvented for everyone!
FRISKY AND MANNISH:
NEW FRIENDS AND POTENTIAL LOVERSWednesday, January 14 at 7:30 P.M.Tickets: $15Frisky and Mannish are the comedy and cabaret sensation taking London by storm. Their unique take on the modern pop classics of Western culture highlight both the hilarious and the deeply disturbing undertones to these beloved songs. You'll never think of The Bangles the same way again.
"White-hot ones to watch" - Time Out London
"Catch the duo before they go big." - LondonLite
"Two extraordinarily gifted and astonishing performers, great presence, remarkably imaginative, wholly original - and colossal fun." - Fringe Report
"Frisky and Mannish are a must-see, so keep your eyes peeled for them."
- RemoteGoat.
The rumors are true. They have arrived. No touching.
RANDALL SHREVEThursday, January 15 at 9:30 P.M.Tickets: $15Randall Shreve blends melody, mischief, and passion on his sophomore release "The Entertainer." From the opening notes of "Welcome to the Show," he takes the listener on an experience that rivals P. T. Barnum himself. Songs like "Hollywood," "King of the Silver Screen," and "The Entertainer" highlight his soulful vocals that compliment his vaudevillian indie rock. Recorded at Legacy Studios in NYC, "The Entertainer" is similar to his debut "The Cure for Yesterday" in that it is a concept record with an interwoven story throughout the songs. "The Entertainer" is the tale of a man who runs from love and follows his ambition to be an actor, only to find he cannot escape the inevitable. Shreve's musical evolution can clearly be heard that he has confronted and embraced his darker, eclectic side, while still keeping the perfect blend of his gentle "crooner" qualities in tact.
Shreve came out of nowhere, it would seem, with "The Cure For Yesterday", his solo debut. However, he was no stranger to the music industry having played drums for 3-time Dove award nominated rock band, GS Megaphone. Before 2006, Randall had produced and/or played drums on over 50 recordings, toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Canada with several Grammy award winning bands, and even found time to make an appearance in a film starring Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. But it wasn't till May of 2006 that Randall released "The Cure For Yesterday", his solo debut, and let the world know who he really is. Now, with the "Entertainer," he is ready to give the people the greatest show on Earth. For more about Randall Shreve and "The Entertainer", check out his website at www.randallshreve.com.
NOMIFriday, January 16 at 10:00 P.M.Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the doorBorn and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York, side by side with the rebellious growth of Hip Hop, Nomi has become a part of a movement of artists who are changing the landscape of contemporary music. After the release of her 2005 debut album "Lost In Lust" she appeared on Arte's Tracks, performed live on NPR's Spinning On Air, toured with CocoRosie, Debbie Harry and Antony & The Johnsons as part of the multi media masterpiece, Turning. Her recent involvement with DFA's chart topping Hercules & Love Affair took her on a world tour as part of the most dynamic live dance acts of the year. The self titled debut album has been referred to as the dance album of the year by everyone from MixMag to the Guardian. Her performance on the Chicago house inspired "You Belong", a duet with Antony, is being compared to Yazoo-era Alison Moyet, and the UK's Guardian referred to Nomi as "... a performer who boasts the spookily effortless air of a future pop icon." Nomi now finds her way back to her native home to wrap up production on the long awaited "Borough Gypsy" EP, which features a duet with the king of hip hop's underground, Ill Bill. She is also collaborating with musicians/producers Morgan Wiley and Andrew Raposo who are also known for their work with Hercules & Love Affair and DFA's Automato. Together they are known as Deep Red and are now in the studio working on a new album, which brings together the sounds of dance, pop and R&B.
THE INTER ARTS VARIETY SHOWSaturday, January 17 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $15Shelly Watson returns to The Zipper with her cross-cultural, multimedia, all encompassing arts showcase. The festivities are all weaved together by Juilliard trained singer and general ringleader Watson, who has appeared everywhere from the stage Metropolitan Opera to the screens of MTV, and hailed as "rambunctious, over the top and of considerable charm" by The New York Times. The evening's line up will be announced shortly.
MURDER MOST NAKED
(or, the Strange Affair at Pinchbottom Manor)
A Pinchbottom BurlesqueSaturday, January 17 at 10:30 P.M.Tickets: $20MURDER MOST NAKED (or, The Strange Affair at Pinchbottom Manor) launches Pinchbottom's 2009 Season at The Zipper.
Amateur detectives Nasty Canasta and Jonny Porkpie, "uncover the clues" as they investigate the incident known as "The Strange Affair at Pinchbottom Manor." The body of the widow Pinchbottom was discovered in a state of extreme undress, and the unfortunate death appears to be a case of murder.... MURDER MOST NAKED. Miss Canasta and Mr. Porkpie, vigorously question all in residence at the Manor when the incident took place, including drunken Duchess Anita Cookie, Major Bastard Keith of the Stiff-Upper-Lip Brigade, perky heiress Clams Casino, Countess Jo Boobs, stern British Governess Naughtia Nice, Vicar Tigger!, Lady Trixie Little and Lord Evil Hate Monkey, as well as many of the house staff, including the butler, chauffeur, and maid.
A MONUMENTAL EVENING WITH MILLER & TYSENMonday, Jan 19 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $15Come celebrate W's last night in the White House with songwriting gurus Chris Miller, Nathan Tysen, and their newly appointed cabinet of musical theatre bad asses! Chris (music) and Nathan (lyrics) will debut a slew of new material from their upcoming commissions at Lincoln Center and Playwrights Horizons, plus songs from The Burnt Part Boys (opening this season in the Vineyard Theatre's lab series). Accompanied by a 5-piece string band, performers include Norm Lewis, Kendra Kassebaum, Matt Caplan, Allison Case, Charlie Brady, a reunion of the Drama Desk nominated cast of Fugitive Songs (Halle Petro, Todd Pettiford, Ben Roseberry, and Lucia Spina), plus many more special guests yet to be announced.
SVETI
Wednesday, January 21 at 8:00 P.M.
Tickets: $15"Sveti is a group of absolutely monster musicians!" - Phil De Pietro, allaboutjazz.com
"Marko Djordjevic, who Modern Drummer magazine calls a "drumming star", leads a group comprised of the hottest names in today's modern jazz scene. The line up for The Zipper show will feature a stellar cast, including Brad Mason on trumpet (John Mayer), Eli Degibri on tenor sax (Herbie Hancock), Matt Pavolka on upright bass (Lee Konitz), Nir Felder on guitar (Greg Osby), and the bands leader, as well as composer and drummer, Djordjevic. Marko Djordjevic has over 40 albums and thousands of live performances to his credit. Matt Garrison, Wayne Krantz, Jonah Smith, Clarence Spady, Lucky Peterson, Garry Willis, Rick Margitza, Bill Frisell, Lionel Loueke, Aaron Goldberg, The Itals, Chris McDermott, Eric Lewis and the Tribulations are some of the artist he has performed or recorded since moving to NYC 10 years ago. For more information, visit www.svetimarko.com.
Lauren PritchardFriday, January 23 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $15.00
A 20-year-old singer-songwriter and Tennessee native, Lauren Pritchard boasts talent well beyond her years. She began playing piano at age 9, has performed in a funk band in LA, and enjoyed a 2 year run playing the role of Ilse in the 8-Time Tony Award winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening. Her biggest influences include Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, David Gray, and CSNY. Lauren just completed a development deal under RCA/J records and is currently on tour with Duncan Sheik.
ADAM SHENK: A NEO-POP, MUSIC-DANCE EXPERIENCEThursday, January 22 at 8:00 P.M.
Tickets: $15Adam Shenk, who was chosen last year as a semi-finalist on MTV's "Making the Band 4," is said to have that "intangible something that electrifies a room when he shares his music." During "Making the Band," Adam worked closely with Laurieann Gibbons, Michael Bivens and also has had the privilege to sing for P. Diddy. Adam started singing original songs into his tape recorder at the age of 3, and his hunger for performing took him to the American Boychoir School at 12, where he honed his skills as a musician and toured the world. He studied dance and theater at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Boston Conservatory, and his love for music eventually led him to the Berklee College of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting. In 2007, Adam released his first EP, "If Ya Like This," acting as songwriter, singer, and producer on the album. Adam's Zipper debut will feature dynamic dance performances from two young choreographers, Shyrelle Kalilikane and Hollywood, as well as his own fusion of pop, R&B, jazz, and soul. Adam Shenk, who was chosen last year as a semi-finalist on MTV's "Making the Band 4," is said to have that "intangible something that electrifies a room when he shares his music." During "Making the Band," Adam worked closely with Laurieann Gibbons, Michael Bivens and also has had the privilege to sing for P. Diddy. Adam started singing original songs into his tape recorder at the age of 3, and his hunger for performing took him to the American Boychoir School at 12, where he honed his skills as a musician and toured the world. He studied dance and theater at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Boston Conservatory, and his love for music eventually led him to the Berklee College of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting. In 2007, Adam released his first EP, "If Ya Like This," acting as songwriter, singer, and producer on the album.
ZEN FOR PRIMATESSaturday, January 24 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $20The acclaimed theatrical indie band Zen For Primates returns to The Zipper. Zen For Primates is: T. Roth (vocals), Mike Krisukas (guitar and vocals); Jodi Beder (cello), Shelagh Maloney (violin) and Pete Fluck (sax and harmonica). ZEN's highly original sound (no bass or drums) and their polished theatrical performance have impressed the music industry and delighted fans for nearly 20 years. The band's CDs include Albatross, Blessed Are The Sheep Herders, It's Polka Time, When It's Christmas Time in Tibet and Stella.
THE ANNA COPA CABANNA SHOWSaturday, January 24 at 10:30 P.M.Tickets: $15Anna Copa Cabanna is an Australian pop-culture icon-to-be who has performed her choreography, played her xylophone and roller-skated in venues around the world. The Anna Copa Cabanna Show, her multi-disciplinary homage to television specials of the 1970's, has captured the imagination of punk royalty, celebrities, various magazines, blogs and many a teenage boy. Anna's primary goal is transporting the audience to a world of glamour, humor, overly earnest but beautiful dancing, and classic rock and roll! Her special brand of vintage go-go dancing, pretty punk songs and extravagant outfits have been featured at diverse venues including Joe's Pub, The Slipper Room, Mo Pitkins, FEZ, Tonic, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, NEST, The Knitting Factory, Green Room, Pianos, Pete's Candy Store, Santos Party House, Cakeshop, Galapagos and many more. Recently featured as RadioNowhere's (UK) "Artist of the week" she has also performed her own choreography for music videos (Ana Lola Roman's Manic Pie), theater (Lovesong of the Electric Bear- Edinburgh, Leonard Cohen Xmas Show- Brooklyn), and with live rock shows (Tracky Dax, Magic Lunchbox, Centipede- Australia, Cobra-Matics and The Wrong Trousers- UK). An established singer-songwriter in New York City, she reflects on everyday issues with her lil xylophone, voracious voice and fabulous imagination. Check out myspace.com/annacopacabanna.ALLIES: A PLAY WITH HEART
Music by Heart - Ann & Nancy Wilson
Book by Celina Carvajal and Maggie Levin
Directed by Samuel Buggein
Musical Direction by Paul Leschen Monday, January 26 at 9:00 P.M.Tickets: FREE - A Reading of a New Musical. Open to The Public. Admission on a first-come basis.Be the first to experience this new musical in the tradition of Hedwig & the Angry Inch. Allies is a raw, concert-style musical about a love triangle that rocks the lives of a brother & sister. Gabby & Chris Ford are as close as struggling twenty-something siblings can be, when their bond is blown apart by the seductive - and secretive - Matt Rhode. Part live rock show - complete with roadies changing the set and a kickass lead axe - and part heartstring-plucking drama, Allies features the songs of the legendary band HEART, including hits like Barracuda, These Dreams and Alone. With Celina Carvajal, Brian Charles Rooney, Chris Hall and stage directions read by Ryan Bogner.Julian Fleisher AND HIS RATHER BIG BANDWednesday January 28 at 8:00 P.M.Tickets: $15"A New York nightclub supernova" declares the LA Times. "The Human iPod" says the Baltimore Sun. "Smart, genre-busting pop" reads the NY Times Magazine - and with good reason. Anticipating the revolutionary genius of the iPod and the iPod shuffle by years, Julian Fleisher's shows have always eschewed the dull constraints of old-fashioned categories in favor of a free-wheeling, eclectic, post-modern approach to entertainment. His philosophy: If it swings, it sings.
Son of world-renowned concert pianist Leon Fleisher, Julian was first heard as a boy soprano, a student of the classical repertoire at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of music in his hometown of Baltimore. After a four year stint as an undergraduate at Yale, Julian took on New York, the inevitable next step in any young entertainer's journey. Now, he's enjoying a reputation as one of that city's most exciting young nightclub stars. His love of the best of American song coupled with a fresh and irreverent performance style have garnered him rave reviews and comparisons to predecessors as diverse as Sammy Davis, Jr., Mel Tormé, Norah Jones and Lenny Bruce. It's no surprise that he enjoys a loyal audience of both young and old alike. From Paris to Berlin, from New York to Los Angeles, from intimate boites to the grooviest supper clubs, he's been busy dazzling listeners and inspiring an ever growing cadre of devoted followers. His collaborations with a growing roster of celebrities-turned-singers now has him on a new trajectory: Host Extraordinaire. Molly Ringwald, Isaac Mizrahi, Ana Gasteyer, Martha Plimpton, Lauren Graham, Jennifer Holliday, Keith Karradine, Kiki & Herb, Mo Rocca, The Pursuasions: just some of the special guests who, in just the last year, have joined Julian for a spin around the songbook. As a recording artist and producer, Julian is becoming equally as accomplished and wide-ranging. He composed, performed and produced all the music and songs for Off-Broadway's Almost Maine, by Tony Award nominee John Cariani, and he produced both full-length CDs from the legendary downtown duo Kiki & Herb, which include appearances by, among others, Debby Harry, The Scissor Sisters, Rufus Wainwright and Alex Gifford of the Propellerheads.
His own debut CD, "Rather Big" (Modern Records), was described by Billboard as "a potpourri of sweetly memorable material... exemplary, sterling and delightful."
REANIMATED!
Starring Jason Kravits and Joel Hurt Jones
Directed by Melinda BuckleyThursday, January 29 at 8:00 P.M.;
Sunday, February 1 at 8:30 P.M.;
Thursday, February 5 at 9:30 P.M.Tickets: $20Many, many moons ago, when 42nd Street was still lined with small theatres and large porn shops . . . two young actors started working on a show that would change . . . well, nothing really. But it did take them places . . . to the US Comedy Festival in Aspen, where they won the jury award for best sketch comedy! To Los Angeles, where they had lots and lots of very important meetings! And eventually, back to home to New York, where they played to sold out crowds at the Actors' Playhouse! And . . . that was about it. Until recently . . .
Jason Kravits and Joel Hurt Jones dusted off the cobwebs and dug up the party hats for a one night only extravaganza this past November. And now they're back! Comedy! Music! Ice Cream! Wrestling! Come see what all the fuss was . . . er, is . . . about!
Jason Kravits, most recently seen on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone, is probably best known for his work on television as ADA Richard Bay on ABC's "The Practice." He also did some other TV stuff, a couple of movies and lots of theatre. He performs semi-regularly with Don't Quit Your Night Job, and created and stars in the web-series "Lords of the Playground."
Joel Jones is a veteran actor/writer/director who has appeared on stages across the country, in numerous television shows ("Law & Order," "Scrubs," "Judging Amy," etc.) in several films (Rat Race, Showtime, Our American Husband, etc.) and many commercials. He has written professionally for television and extensively for the stage, mostly sketch comedy. Peeling Figs, a one-act Joel directed for Mind the Gap, was recently nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award.
Maddy Wyatt'S SAGEBRUSH VALENTINE
With Nathan Tysen, Chris Miller and Special Guests
Friday, January 30 at 10:00 P.M.Tickets: $15What began as a game played religiously in living rooms by Nathan Tysen, Chris Miller and Maddy Wyatt has become a gift they want to give to you. The "Valentine" plays like this: Six brave songwriters get together and pick a song title out of a hat-full of audience-generated suggestions. They take a breath and/or a shot, and go off for one hour to write that song. A few days later, the results are presented live-on-stage, along with a peek into the cannon of each talented artist. Past participating artists include GrooveLily's Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda, Vienna Teng, Eli Bolin and Adam Shenk. Come to hear six new songs by six great songwriters, all variations on a theme chosen by you!
KIRSTEN HOLLY SMITH SINGS DUSTY SPRINGFIELDSaturday, January 31 at 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, February 1 at 7:00 P.M.Tickets: $15"Kirsten Holly Smith does a smashing Dusty Springfield! Smith captures both the soulfulness and the sultriness of the British chantoozie of hits like "Wishin' and Hopin'" and "Son of a Preacher Man" (the dirtiest song to ever help shape my early years), not to mention the spunk of a civil rights activist and open bisexual. Between sensitively delivered songs filled with period-perfect hand gestures, Smith tells biographical anecdotes, and by the end, you're in love with TWO top-notch singers with big hair." - Michel Musto, The Village VoiceDusty Springfield's talent and courage blazed a trail for generations of women in music. Following an acclaimed run of her new solo musical Stay Forever: The Life and Music of Dusty Springfield (originally produced in Los Angeles by Leslie Brockett, Jon Imparato and Jorja Fox), singer/actress Kirsten Holly Smith celebrates Dusty's journey in an intimate evening that features renditions of classic Dusty songs, including the hits "Son of a Preacher Man," "Just A Little Lovin'," "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," "Wishin and Hopin'" and "I Only Want To Be With You," as well as less familiar, but equally brilliant numbers such as "I Found My Way" and "Willie and Laura Mae Jones."
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