SYTYCD Live Blog: Season 10 Premiere!

8:58 Oh geez, I never thought I'd have to see Sasha's crazy face again :(
8:56 Okay, these guys are actually pretty good. Not show good....but they have a cool story and decent moves to back it up.
8:54 Not sure what to expect from this last crew.
8:50 I'm over these "guest judges" that know nothing about dance. I want Andy Blankenbuehler, Rob Ashford, Twyla Tharp, Kenny Ortega, Bill T Jones...or really anybody who knows anything about dance. Rant over
8:48 Is this a Russian Rapper? Is that what's happening? Mary is all about him. She has that cougar look in her eye.
8:46 After all these years I will never "get" b-boying. I just don't understand how you learn it??
8:45 I expect big things from "one of the best b-boys in the world"
8:40 Enough already Jessie, if you can't talk about injuries without throwing up, get off of the dance show
8:39 I'm loving Taylor's strong style. Great to see a muscular girl who isn't a twig. There's no way she started in college
8:38 We've all been there girl. I'm pulling for you. I too have loose joints and that is rough rough rough!
8:32 Adding that moaning rendition of "Send In The Clowns" to the torn ACL was excruciating times two
8:31 Wait, did she just start dancing in college? Or did she dance before? I just cannot do these sad stories anymore. However will I get through this summer?
8:29 That freaky girl walking on her hands reminded me of Tori Amos as a b-girl
8:26 Tutu necklace boy...we've got our first nut of the year. He is straight up crazy, but his movements are so original. I bet he goes to the choreo round.
8:20 The Benji of Armenia? Hmmm...that's interesting
8:18 First time we've had a winner from another country. That is interesting..... I always find it awkward when only one of the partners is actually auditioning. Like, should we ignore the other one?
8:12 This blonde girl seems very natural, but with a little crazy behind her eyes. I'm intrigued!
8:09 Geez this girl just said she was partially deaf...dead pan. I like her already! She has spunk and her mom was a dancer. That's so Sheila from A Chorus Line.
8:08 We have our first "feelingsy story of the season" that's how you know we are on reality TV. You don't get on this show without an emotional story. This girl from Utah looks like Tinker Bell.
8:07 Sorry, they let Fiction have too much time, he's just not all that interesting. However, the judges seem to love it so color me baffled.
8:05 Wait, his name is Fiction? Did he really not know they do a week in Vegas? We've seen all these moves before, but he has a quirky personality!
8:03 SYTYCD Season 10 here we go! We're starting in LA!

Watch the TONY Nominations LIVE!

Watch the 2013 TONY Nominations LIVE right here on Tuesday 4/30 at 8:30 am EST!

Launch the 2013 Tony Awards Live 
Video Console!

Info on the Webcast
The 2013 Tony Awards Nominations Announcement, Sponsored by IBM
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 8:30 a.m. ET
Hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sutton Foster
Video courtesy NY1 News
More Information
For graphic materials to help you promote the Tony Awards and the syndicated
webcast, visit TonyAwards.com/presskit.
Contact Ben Pesner at BPesner@TonyAwards.com or (212) 703-0208 with
questions.
The 67
th Annual Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony
from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 9,
2013. For more information on the Tony Awards, please visit
www.TonyAwards.com.
#TonyAwards

A Chorus Line opens May 10th at The Heights Players!

A Chorus Line opens May 10^th at The Heights Players

(Brooklyn’s oldest community theater celebrating its 57^th season)

The musical for everyone who has had a dream and put it all on the line

(BROOKLYN, NY)  It is a classic story and a theatrical production that celebrates the true emotion, joy and passion of Broadway – it is A Chorus Line.  With a bare stage in an empty theater, dancers audition for the chance of a lifetime, the chance to do what they’ve always dreamed of – to dance in a Broadway show.  The Heights Players proudly presents A Chorus Line, winner of nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, for three weekends in May, opening Friday, May 10^th.

A Chorus Line (music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban and book by James Kirkwood, Jr., and Nicholas Dante) offers a glimpse into the personalities of the auditionees and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.  It is a tribute to everyone who has put themselves “on the line” at some point in their lives.

Directed by Thomas N. Tyler, the Heights Players production features: Tony Artiga, David Arzberger, Simone Bart, Andrea Bernardo, Timothy Chan, Sean Dearing, Aurora Dreger, Alyson Ryan Fuchs, Tom Giancursio, Marissa Giglio, Hilary Goldman, Dina Grilli, Nichole Jorgensen, Desiree Justin, Maureen Kelley, Whitney Kelley, Michael Kidney, Karen Mascolo, Adrian Miranda, Julie Reed, Ian Richardson, Kristen Robles, John Sabatos and Jason Schulof.

SEE THE SHOW – A Chorus Line runs from May 10th through May 26th. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($18 for seniors and those under the age of 18). Reservations: 718-237-2752. Theater: The Heights Players, 26 Willow Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Convenient to many subway lines including: R, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C trains.

CONTACT – If you are interested in covering The Heights Players in your media, we are happy to assist! We can provide photographs, posters and postcards, or arrange for interviews with our cast and/or production staff.

The Heights Players

26 Willow Place

Brooklyn, New York 11201

www.heightsplayers.org

Media:               jill@lewiskelly.net                     646-872-6137

General info:    info@heightsplayers.org          718-237-2752

Reservations:  718-237-2752

___________________________________________________________________________________

THE HEIGHTS PLAYERS – In December of 1956 a small group of people interested in theater held their first meeting as The Heights Players. The first production, The Hasty Heart, opened in February 1957 at the Unitarian Church; much interest was generated by this production and a second production, The Crucible, opened in 1957. It was apparent to all concerned that a theater group had been established in Brooklyn. During the following summer a Workshop Program was begun, introducing more performers and directors to the group. During this time, the Heights Players became a non-profit educational corporation under New York statutes. In addition to 56 seasons of staging classic repertory, The Heights Players has made many contributions to the community, starting with special Theater for Children performances. The group has provided traveling entertainment to Brooklyn hospitals, nursing homes and the Hale House in Manhattan, as well as participating in local street fairs. For many years, we provided special performances for local homeless shelter residents and senior citizen centers.

Our Review of JEKYLL & HYDE on Broadway

Last Sunday I got the chance to see Jekyll & Hyde at The Marquis Theatre after attending a pre-show brunch where I met the cast. What an entertaining show! Since this is a revival, we all know Frank Wildhorn's music. This cast truly gives the music new life, particularly Constantine Maroulis (Jekyll/Hyde) on This is the Moment and Teal Wicks (Emma) on Once Upon a Dream. There has been a lot of hype around Deborah Cox as Lucy. While she didn't excite me or really bring anything groundbreaking to the role, she was serviceable. We all know the story, but the cast keeps it fresh. Constantine Maroulis is electric. You feel for him as Jekyll and loathe him as Hyde. He transitions effortlessly between the two with different facial expressions, body carriage, vocal tones, and  of course his great free-flowing hair. The supporting cast isn't large, but they certainly support the music well. The sets are decent, but remember, this is a touring production after all.

As a whole, I was pleasantly surprised with the production. It is a limited 13-week engagement, so come see it while you can. You won't regret it! If you don't believe me, listen to these fine people.



Join in the fun and HYDE yourself like Constantine!

#HYDEyourself Instructions:

Step 1. In order to #HYDEyourself, log into your application store and download an

                image-collage application, such as PICSTITCH or PHOTOSPLIT. They're free!

Step 2. Take 2 photos of yourself, one as your “Jekyll” and one as your “Hyde.”

Step 3.  Using the image-collage program, select the 2-photo frame and insert one

                photo onto each side, adjusting them so that your face splits down the

                middle.  You can also use any photography programs you may have to alter

                the look of your photos.

Step 4. Save the image to your smart phone and upload to Instagram. (Some

programs, such as picstitch, allow the photos to be directly uploaded to

Instagram without having to save to your smart phone.)

Step 5. Make sure to tag #HYDEyourself @JekyllMusical in the comments section of the photo.

NOTE: These are instructions for how to #HYDEyourself from your smartphone, but of course entries can be submitted via computer using photoshop, paint, etc!

Our Review of ORPHANS on Broadway!

I had the great pleasure of seeing Orphans two weeks ago and it has really stuck with me. Tom Sturridge is a standout as Phillip, the younger brother of Treat (Ben Foster). The two brothers live together in North Philly, forced to fend for themselves until Harold (Alec Baldwin) comes along and shows them a glimpse of a better life. Lyle Kessler's plot is simple. Treat is a tough guy who kidnaps Harold from a bar because he likes the idea of taking control of a rich guy. But, little does he know, Harold will take over his.

Because the story is not difficult to follow, the performances really shine through. Tom Sturridge's portrayal of the younger, mentally and emotionally challenged brother, Phillip, is endearing. He is so honest in a role that could easily become a parody in the hands of a less skilled actor. He warms the heart and you will just want to give him a hug. Ben Foster's Treat is the antithesis, a hardened, strong, workhorse who will do anything necessary to provide for his brother. Alec Baldwin's Harold is about the same as Alec Baldwin in most other roles, but there's nothing with that.

This is a limited engagement so don't wait, go see it!

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre/236 West 45th Street, New York, NY
http://www.orphansonbroadway.com/

Our Review of HANDS ON A HARDBODY

I wanted to love this show, I really did. Hands on a Hardbody, now running at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre,has all my favorite ingredients in a new Broadway show: an American creative team telling a uniquely American story, a solid cast, brand new music with a country twang, an innovative concept, and a successful out-of-town run at La Jolla Playhouse. There is nothing else like it on stage in New York. However, this new musical stalls on many levels.

The show’s premise is interesting enough. Hands on aHardbody is based on the 1997 documentary of the same name that follows contestants in a cutthroat Texas contest to win a brand new Nissan pick-up truck. The group of tenmust keep one hand on the truck at all times; the last competitor standing takes home the truck, and with it, a whole new lease on life.

This contest brings together a wide range of eccentric characters, skillfully represented by a talented ensemble cast. I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to see actors of all shapes and sizes on stage- it is a story about “normal” Americans after all! Keala Settle as the Jesus-loving, gospel-singing Norma Valverde is the unquestionable stand out of the group. Settle’s earnest, joyful performance is only enhanced by her “knows no bounds” vocal chops. The woman can belt! Hunter Foster is almost unrecognizable playing the goatee-clad, arrogant, intimidating Benny Perkins who has already won a truck in the same contest last year. Foster’s vocal strength and stage presence anchorthe cast throughout the show. Allison Case and Jay Armstrong Johnson are delightfully awkward as the youngest competitors, dreaming of a more exciting life outside of Texas is in the song “I’m Gone.” I love Connie Ray in just about anything (any fellow fans of “TheTorkelsons” out there?), and she adds some much needed humor to the show as the struggling dealership’s marketing director. Honestly, there are no weak acting performances, just weak material.

Despite my affinity for country/pop music, I foundHardbody’s score, written by Trey Anastasio of Phish and Amanda Green, dull and forgettable. The one trueshowstopper is “Joy of the World,” the gospel song turned full cast percussion experience lead by the infectious Settle. I wouldn’t have minded a few more “Joy” moments myself. The lackluster songs come in succession one right after another with very little dialogue in between. Lucky for me, several songs had been cut from the show since the beginning of previews, keeping the run time to 2 hours 20 minutes (which still seemed too long).  The choreography (or should I say “car”eography, since almost all the numbers revolved around the bright red pick-up truck on stage) was just as monotonous. The car-eography was clever at first, but after an hour or so, I think we can ditch the truck for a few numbers.

Ultimately, I wanted to know more about each of the contestants, especially the ones who make it past the first day or so of grueling competition. Each character is written as a vague archetype: the Iraq-war veteran, the first-generation Mexican-American trying to pay his way through college, the mother of five with bills to pay, etc. Thus, I felt no emotional connection to any of the contestants. I didn’t really care who won the truck, which defeats the whole purpose of the show. I wanted someone to root for. Perhaps some extra visits from family members or boyfriends or bar buddies would have given the audience some more insight into the lives of these characters, but as written, the characters are not fully developed. And for a musical set in the parking lot of a Nissan dealership in Longview, Texas, there are very few light moments or joking to be had in such an absurd situation. Instead of jokes, Doug Wright’s book includes random and abruptpolitical commentary on everything from illegal immigrants to veterans’ affairs.

Overall, Hardbody was a nice try. I think it could have benefited from an off-Broadway run where the creative team could have streamlined the story and music numbers, but I’m glad an innovative American musical made it toBroadway nonetheless. The actors’ performances are stellar (again, Keala Settle is a force to be reckoned with), despiteweaknesses in the material. I really wanted to love it, butHands on a Hardbody never makes it out of the parking lot.

Win a pair of tickets to THE ORPHANS on Broadway!

This spring, ALEC BALDWIN (Emmy® Award winner 30 Rock, Oscar® nominee The Cooler, Tony® nominee A Streetcar Named Desire) and BEN FOSTER (Emmy® and SAG Award winner) are joined by TOM STURRIDGE (Being Julia, Like Minds, The Boat That Rocked and On the Road) in Broadway's most talked about, darkly comic play.

Two orphaned brothers live in a decrepit North Philadelphia row house. They survive by petty thievery and a steady diet of tuna fish and daytime television until the violent older brother decides to kidnap Harold (Baldwin), a notorious Chicago gangster. Harold soon becomes their father figure and the force that will forever change their lives. Written by LYLE KESSLER, directed by DANIEL SULLIVAN (Glengarry Glen Ross).

In 2005, Alec Baldwin starred in a South Pacific concert at Carnegie Hall. Who co-starred with Baldwin as Nellie and Emile?

Please post your answer in the comments section below, along with your email address. One correct answer will be selected at random on Friday March 15th at 11:59 pm.

Thank you and please check back in the coming weeks for future ticket giveaways!