Carly Jibson: Cancer's Expensive!!! A Benefit for Renee Zimmerman

Carly Jibson, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesScott Alan and Susan Mosher, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesIt was said over and over, "If love could cure cancer, it would have been cured in that room." That was the sentiment felt all around when Carly Jibson hosted a benefit for her mom, Renee Zimmerman, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Bone and Lung Cancer.

Upon receiving the news of her mom's diagnosis, Carly reached out to her closet friends for help and guidance. It was her friend, award winning composer/lyricist Scott Alan, who suggested they put together a benefit concert and four months later, "Cancer's Expensive!!! A Benefit for Renee Zimmerman" was unveiled.

Nick Adams, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesChad Kimball, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesThe sold-out benefit at The Laurie Beechman Theatre featured a host of hugely talented performers. In addition to Scott and Carly, the line-up included Nick Adams ("Priscilla Queen of the Desert"), Eden Epsinosa ("Wicked" and  "Brooklyn") and Brian Gallagher ("Jekyll and Hyde" revival), Jenna Leigh Green ("Wicked," "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch"), Molly Hager, Tony Award Nominee Chad Kimball ("Memphis"), Caissie Levy ("Hair" and "Ghost") and David Reiser ("Good Vibrations"), Michael Mendez ("Fat Camp" and "Chaplin"), Ben Cameron ("Broadway Sessions"), Susan Mosher ("Hairspray"), Leonard Sullivan ("Hairspray"), award winning vocalist Katie Thompson, and the cast of Off-Broadway's "Fat Camp." Everyone gave their all and performed such heartfelt songs! I was consistently overwhelmed by what I was witnessing!

Jenna Leigh Green, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesKatie Thompson, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesCarly did an excellent job of hosting the evening, considering, all the emotions she must have been feeling! If the strength and love that Carly has was any indication, then it's quite evident what an amazing woman her mom must be! With her unique brand of humor, Carly made the evening really fun and relaxed. That spirit echoed throughout the night to every single person performing on that stage. If the performers above weren't enough, Carly also received an out-cry of support from those who donated items for the raffle including Ricki Lake, Perez Hilton, Bravo's "What What Happens Live," "Wicked," "Memphis," and Cutler Salon in Soho initially gave four free haircut and coloring gift certificates, but then they were so inspired by what was happening during the evening, they ended up giving every performer of the night a cut/color as well. Because Scott Alan is brilliant, in the middle of the raffle, Scott found a way to raise even more money by having an impromtu silent auction. The two items that were being auctioned off were a signed "Wicked" T-shirt by Caissie Levy, Megan Hilty, Eden Espinosa, and two international "Wicked" stars and the genius known as Susan Mosher wrote an on-the-spot Jenna Leigh Green, Megan Hilty, Caissie Levy, Eden Espinosa, Ben Cameron, Photo Credit: Monica Simoessong about one Cast of "Fat Camp", Photo Credit: Monica Simoesperson's life, filmed for viewership on YouTube. I don't know the name of the guy, but we'll call him "Daddy Warbucks" spent over $1200 winning both silent autction items. Instead of having Susan write a song about him, he had her write a song about Scott Alan, which was perfect! I can't talk about this evening without mentioning the amazing generosity of The Laurie Beechman Theatre itself! Every single dollar from the ticket price went directly to helping Carly's mom. I have never been to a benefit where that has been the case. What a great place to host a benefit!

Caissie Levy and David ReiserMichael Mendez, Photo Credit: Monica SimoesOne of the things that impressed me most about the evening was the fact that many people at the event didn't even know Carly or Carly's mom that well, myself included. I attended because I was a fan of Carly's and the other performers and wanted to give what support I could to her and her mom. When my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2003, the amount of love and support I recevied from my friends really made a difference, so here was a way I could pass that support on.

When people come together out of love, it's amazing what can take place! "Cancer's Expensive!!! A Benefit for Renee Zimmerman" was a moment in time I'll remember forever, especially, when at the end Carly announced that her mom's diagnosis has be downgraded to Stage 3. So, things are really looking better for Renee. It was an evening of music, humor, but most of all, of love!

For those of you who couldn't make the benefit or would like to give even more, please visit http://www.giveforward.com/friendsofreneezimmerman

Adam Rothenberg and Nick Adams, Photo Credit: Raellen ForemanChad Kimball, Beverly Waldman, Adam Rothenberg, Photo Credit: Raellen ForemanNick Adams, Perez Hilton, Jenna Leigh Green, Carly Jibson, Caissie Levy, Photo Credit: Monica Simoes

Murder In The First: Court Ordered Attendance

Chad Kimball and Guy Burnet, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggOne of the most gripping dramatic plays I have seen, "Murder In The First" is a must see! Starring Chad Kimball and Guy Burnet, "Murder In The First" is a compelling true story of the trial that ultimately led to the closing of Alcatraz - the most notorious correctional institution in U.S. history.

This is the first dramatic role I have seen Chad Kimball in and I was blown away by his performance! Chad really embodied his character inmate "Willie Moore," making me forget Chad was on stage. Chad's strength as a dramatic actor is remarkable. I've adored him for years musicals, but to see him in this role, makes me hope he will get more offers for dramas. Chad has many emotional scenes throughout the play with each one building upon the other until the final explosion. 

Guy Burnet, Anthoula Katsimatides, and Chad Kimball, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggGuy Burnet and Chad Kimball, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggAssisting Chad in his excellence is Guy Burnet as lawyer "Henry Davidson." Guy is making his US stage debut and what a debut! Guy is perfectly cast as "Henry," who is hired to defend "Willie." Guy stands on his own as he manuvers through "Willie's" challenges and discoveries. The chemistry between Chad and Guy is great! These two actors work really well together. I hope Guy continues to perform in the US.

Another stand-out performance was given by Anthoula Katsimatides as "Blanche," the hooker. Anthoula's scene with Chad is one of the more intense scenes in the show and the two of them togehter is quite something! They seductively feed off of each other as their emotions come to the forefront, allowing each of them to feel what they need to.

Cast of Murder in the First, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggDan Gordon has written a well crafted court drama. All of the actors help bring his words to life! "Murder In The First" is definitely worth the trip to 59E59 Theaters in NYC (59 East 59th Street)! Court will be held until July 1, so I would suggest getting there before. Click here for tickets!

Memphis: The Movie...Fantastical!

During the week of January 17, 2011, the Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical "Memphis" was filmed live over a few consecutive nights with the notion that it would be released in movie theaters at a future point. That future point is now and on Thursday, April 28, I attended "Memphis: The Movie," at the legendary Ziegfeld Theatre on 54th Street in NYC. First of all, to see any movie at the Ziegfeld Theater is an experience in itself and what better way to have my first experience in this amazing theater than with "Memphis."

Everyone involved with the production and the filming/editing process of "Memphis" should be very proud of themselves! It came out wonderfully! "Memphis" is one of my favorite Broadway shows, so nevertheless I was thrilled when I heard it was going to filmed for future distribution. I was even more thrilled because I got to attend one of those January nights when they were filming, so to get to see the finished product is pretty special.

"Memphis: The Movie" is an experience with in itself! The way the show was filmed allowed me to see "Memphis" in a whole new light. The enhanced sound allowed me to hear things I missed when seeing the show on Broadway (because some actors say lines under their breath) while the close-ups of the actors made some moments of the show that much greater and added a new dimension to the amazingly fantastical talent that is the "Memphis" cast! After seeing the movie, not only did I leave the Ziegfeld singing the music, but it made me want to see "Memphis" live on Broadway again.

While for me a live theatrical experience is unique and cherished, filming "Memphis" was a brilliant idea because now it's captured forever on film and that allows people across the country to experience the magic of "Memphis" who might not be able to make it to New York to see it live on Broadway. I do hope that a DVD release is planned for somewhere down the line!

"Memphis: The Movie" plays for just a limited time at select movie theaters through May 3! Click here for participating theaters and tickets!

"Memphis" on Broadway continues to play to packed houses 8 times a week at the Shubert Theatre in NYC (225 West 44th Street, between Broadway & 8th Ave)

"Memphis"...Still Fantastical!

On Tuesday, January 18, 2011, I had the fortunate experience of attending the Tony Award Winning musical "Memphis" once again! Almost a year to the day of my last "Memphis" attending, I am proud to say the show is still fantastically SIZZLING HOT with energy, excitement, and fun. The principal cast members are still the original (Chad Kimball, Derrick Baskin, James Monroe Iglehart, Montego Glover, J. Bernard Calloway, Michael McGrath, and Cass Morgan) and still have the best chemistry together! I have been fortunate enough to interview Chad Kimball, Derrick Baskin, and James Monroe Iglehart...so I'm thrilled that they continue entertaining audiences night after night! I'm not just raving about "Memphis" because I interviewed them, but because I truly love this show and as a result of this love, I asked each of them to be part of "Adaumbelle's Quest" and they were kind of enough to participate.

With a book by Joe DiPietro and direction by Christopher Ashley, "Memphis" tells the story of a white DJ in 1950s Memphis who tries to get an African-American singer on the radio, but along the way falls in love. The success, hardships, and issues they face together is what keeps bringing audience members back over and over again. The music (by Bon Jovi's David Bryan) is memorable and catchy with such hit songs as "Change Don't Come Easy," "Colored Women," "Everybody Wants To Be Black On A Saturday Night," "Memphis Lives In Me," "The Music Of My Soul," "Say A Prayer," "Someday," "Stand Up," and "Steal Your Rock 'n Roll," while the choreography (by Sergio Trujillo) is energetic, mesmerizing, and electrifying!

Chad KimballDerrick BaskinChad still has the vocals to score big in  "Hello, My Name Is Huey," "Crazy Little Huey," "The Music Of My Soul," "Stand Up," "Memphis Lives In Me," and "Steal Your Rock 'n Roll." Derrick sends a hush over the audience every night with his spellbinding vocals on "Say A Prayer," which then turns into rousing applause from the audience! James Monroe Iglehart tears up the stage not only with his astounding dance moves, but powerful, powerful vocals on "Big Love!" Cass Morgan lets it rip on "Change Don't Come Easy," letting the light shine brightly on her. J. Bernard Calloway lets it go in "She's My Sister," "Stand Up," and "Change Don't Come Easy," always getting a cheer from the audience. Montego proves many times she's got the vocals and talent in such songs as "The Music Of My Soul," "Colored Women," "Someday," "Stand Up," and "Steal Your Rock 'n Roll." The ensemble has a host of talent, but the one member that gets my attention every time I've seen this show is Hillary Elk. Between her terrific dance moves and skilled, big, and powerful vocals fill the house, even when singing amongst the entire company, Hillary will not be a chorus girl forever!

James Monroe Iglehart"Memphis" has lasted because the show still feels as fresh as when it first arrived on Broadway in September 2009 and it is continuing to shine ever so brightly and audiences are feeling it! The applause and cheers that came from the crowd were loud enough to raise the roof! If you have not seen this fantastical Tony Award Winning musical yet, then I highly suggest you "Stand Up" and make your way down to the Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street between Broadway & 8th Avenue) in New York City and get your tickets to "Memphis," one of the most fantastical shows on Broadway!