BWW Interviews: Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway On SIBLING REVELRY!

We're thrilled to have you back with the show in London after SO LONG - why's it taken so long? And why did you pick now? Is it simply a matter of scheduling due to your own busy solo careers?

ANN: Liz and I both adore London and are so happy there are some great rooms now for our music like The Hippodrome! When Black Sapphire reached out to us, we wanted the first chance our schedules aligned to bring our cult classic across the pond. Of course, my tennis-obsessed sister was eager to catch Wimbledon so let the games begin!
LIZ: We've always wanted to return to London, together, but you're right, it was extremely difficult figuring out a date that worked with our schedules. When Black Sapphire Productions approached us about coming to London the first thing I did was check the dates for Wimbledon. I am a huge tennis buff, both as a player and a spectator, and going to Wimbledon has been at the top of my bucket list for years. Needless to say I'm very excited for this trip for two reasons!

Tell us a little bit about the new show and album BOOM! - can we expect to see you back in London with this soon?
ANN: I hope we will make it a LizandAnn-ual appearance in London. Boom is a fun retrospective of the 60's and 70's music that meant the most to us growing up. It's a groovy show and go go boots are involved! West Side Story to Wicked: Broadway with the Callaways is our celebration of the great white way with beautifully arranged duets, solos and personal stories that prove that there's no tune like a show tune!
LIZ: Our new show is an all-Broadway programme. You could say it's kind of like Broadway the Calla-Way! And Boom! is a very personal celebration of the music of our childhoods, the '60's and '70s. We would love to come back to London with both these shows. Perhaps to coincide with year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Finals!

For both of you - what's your favourite song to hear your sister sing?
ANN: I love anything Liz sings. I think "The Story Goes On" is particularly moving and personal. Seeing Liz in her first starring role on Broadway closing act one with this Maltby/Shire masterpiece continues to haunt me through the years.
LIZ:My Buddy/Old Friend. Just gorgeous.

And apart from your sister, who would you love to duet with?
ANN: Tony Bennett is one of my favourite singers - that would be a joy. Yo Yo Ma is one of my favorite artists - that would be sublime. And the day I could sing with Barbra Streisand - well, that would be unbelievable!
LIZ: I had the great honour of singing with Johnny Mathis last summer at a private event in Vancouver. I'd love to record a duet with him someday. In fact, I'm toying with the idea of doing an album of all duets.

Liz, I read an interview with you recently that said you'd considered going into sports journalism in your childhood - do you still keep up with sport?!
ANN: Just call her Sporty Spice!
LIZ: Absolutely, and somewhat obsessively! My favourites are tennis, baseball, American football, basketball and golf. And I'm mad for the Olympics.

What are your plans for the rest of 2015 and into next year?
ANN:I have a new holiday CD coming out October 13th called The Hope of Christmas. Thanksgiving week I will premiere my new show Feminine Persuasion: Celebrating Women Songwriters. My touring schedule is busy and plans are in the works to write my first Broadway musical!
LIZ In November I'm releasing a new album called The Essential Liz Callaway, which is a compilation album that will also included some new recordings. I'll also be performing in Australia, Vietnam and Thailand, as well as beginning a new symphony concert tour in the US of Carole King music. I also hope to learn how to take naps this year!

SIBLING REVELRY plays the Hippodrome from Tuesday July 7 to Saturday July 11.

For more info see www.lizcallaway.com and www.annhamptoncallaway.com.

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