Stephen Sondheim's Marry Me A Little

On September 28, I attended the Keen Company's production of Stephen Sondheim's "Marry Me A Little" at Theatre Row. Starring the amazing talents of Lauren Molina and Jason Tam, "Marry Me A Little" tells a tale of love, loneliness, and survival as a modern single.

As a modern single, these were all themes I could identify with. I've struggled with finding the courage to tell the guy I have a crush on that he's cute. I've sat home on a Saturday night watching TV thinking of ways to tell him, but I've also enjoyed the moment of the first meeting with hopes that it will go somewhere.

I think Lauren and Jason did an excellent job with the material. From their chemistry to voices, they were in sync with each other. They each held their own while hitting all the right notes. I also loved the added bonus of Lauren playing the cello. She's quite an accomplished musician in addition to actress.

I do wish there were a few more upbeat songs as the show does contain a lot of ballads, but some of my favorite numbers were "Saturday Night," "Bang!," "Your Eyes Are Blue," "A Moment With You," "Happily Ever After," "Rainbows," and "It Wasn't Meant To Happen."

If you want to see two rising stars, then go see Lauren and Jason in "Marry Me A Little." "Marry Me A Little" plays at The Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenue) through October 27! Click here for tickets!

Love Songs: A Musical: Always and Forever

With the potential to make its way to Broadway, "Love Songs: A Musical" is Steven Cagan's new musical in development, written and composed by Steven, directed by Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and musical direction by Gerald Sternbach. On Tuesday, August 28, 2012, I was fortunate enough to see an hour-long version of this new work and I'm sure glad I did. 

Starring Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte ("Jerome Robbins' Broadway"), Drama Desk Nominee Bryce Ryness ("Hair"), Kevin Spirtas ("Dr. Craig Wesley" on "Days of Our Lives"), Fleur Phillips, Ken Clark, and Ashley Kate Adams, "Love Songs" tells the story of a wedding weekend at the Loews Regency Hotel with the groom stuck out of town, the bride discovers she's pregnant, and two other couples, both in the wedding party, appear to be mismatched and ill-fated. What ensues is an evening of laughter, fun, and figuring things out.

Cast of "Love Songs", Photo Credit: Jim BrammerSteven assembled a terrific cast of actors whose vocals blended together wonderfully and on-stage chemistry sizzled! It was great to see Debbie on stage and I hope this is the show that brings her back to Broadway! She has such power in her voice that is always a delight to hear! I had never heard Kevin sing prior to this show and let me say, he's got it! He has a wide vocal quality that puts him in my category of performers I go see even if they sang the phone book. Bryce is always a delight to see, he has a terrific singing voice in addition to his fine acting skills! He really knows how to use his voice to get that perfect feeling out to the audience. As for Fleur, Ken, and Ashley, this was my first introduction to them, and I must say, I'm a fan! The vocal range of Fleur and Ashley were out of this world! I was amazed at the high notes they could hit. Ken was able to stand his own and delighted me with his talent.

Adam Rothenberg and Kevin SpirtasSteven has written some fantastic songs. He knows how to use a lyric to tell a story. My favorite numbers were "Lo & Behold," "Love Me," "I Am In Love With You," "I'm Rose," "Pitter Patter," "Carpe Diem," "Without You," "Sweet Tomorrow," "So It Seemed," and "Always and Forever." I thought "Lo & Behold" and "Always and Forever" were great ways to open and close the show. They featured the whole cast and were uplifting songs. I loved "I'm Rose" because Debbie Gravitte got to really show her stuff. To me, "Pitter Patter," is a tribute to one of our greatest composers/lyricists of our time, Mr. Stephen Sondheim and Bryce nailed it, proving yet once again, the amazing talent that is Bryce Ryness. I loved Kevin's voice on "Carpe Diem," just one of the songs that got to showcase his great voice.

This presentation of "Love Songs" was only an hour. The complete show is done in two acts. It would be interesting to see the full two acts. While most of the story was told with in this hour production, I definitely thought there were some pieces missing, but this shorter version works. I am also intrigued to hear the songs that were left out. This version did contain a lot of ballads with a few upbeat numbers mixed in. I would like to see a few more upbeat songs in it only because there were a few moments my mind wandered with so many ballads.

Steven Cagan and Adam RothenbergI have to say, Steven definitely has something special on his hands with "Love Songs." Overall, I had a great time and this hour long version did leave my mouth watering for more. I do hope this show has more of a life because Broadway can always use a show that makes people feel good and that is what "Love Songs" does.

With just one performance left, "Love Songs: A Musical" plays at Feinstein's at Loews Regency (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street) through August 30th! Click here for tickets! 

For more on "Love Songs: A Musical" visit http://www.lovesongs-amusical.com and follow the show on Facebook!

An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin

On Monday, November 21, 2011, I witnessed theatre history when I attended (with my mom) the opening night of "An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin" at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in NYC! On a personal note, this evening was extra special because it was my mom's first Broadway opening and she loved every moment of it. I'm so glad I got to spend such a special night with her! Now onto the show...

"An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin" is quite enjoyable on many levels! First of all, it's an evening in musical theatre history performed by two Tony Award winners and lifelong friends. Second, it's a night of pure talent. Third, it's a lesson in what hard work, commitment, and education can do for a person.

Patti and Mandy sang a range of songs from Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein II, Kander and Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, et al. Some of them were sung as duets and others were solos, but all were performed top notch! A few of my favorite songs were "Another Hundred People," "Getting Married Today," "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Merrily We Roll Along," "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Loving You."

My "the reason you need to see this show is" came when Patti performed "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and Mandy Patinkin sang "Oh What A Circus." I saw Patti in "Gypsy," so to get to see her perform "Everything's Coming Up Roses" again was truly magical! I never had the chance to see "Evita," so it was a real thrill to get to see her sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and Mandy sing "Oh What A Circus." Both Patti and Mandy, stopped the show equally with their "Evita" performances!

It's quite evident that Patti and Mandy have been lifelong friends and it's only gotten stronger over the years. It was great when Mandy told the story behind the start of their friendship. I wished there were more stories like this, but alas, this evening of song was still an event I would go see.

"An Evening With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin" plays the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in NYC through January 13 only! (243 West 47th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue) Click here for tickets!

Side By Side By Sondheim

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, I attended "Side By Side By Sondheim" at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC. Produced by Singing OnStage Productions, the evening featured Sally Wilfert, Paul Anthony Stewart, Kate Wetherhead, and Barbara Walsh singing songs from Sondheim's early career, before 1979!

Each performer had their chance to shine! The majority of the evening was performed by Sally, Paul, and Kate, while Barbara served as the evening's narrator. Barbara's real moment came when she performed "Losing My Mind" from "Follies" which was a real treat and she certainly hit all the right notes!

Performing songs from "Follies," "A Little Night Music," "Anyone Can Whistle," "Pacific Overatures," "Gypsy," "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum," "Company," and "Evening Primrose," Sally, Paul, and Kate really complimented each other. Their voices blended together perfectly, while their chemistry brightened the room! Together, Sally, Paul, and Kate shined on "You Gotta Have A Gimmick," "Side By Side By Side," and "Comedy Tonight/Love Is In The Air." While it's hard to single out a moment for each person because everyone did such a great job, I do have to say, I felt Sally glistened on "Send In The Clowns," "I Never Do Anything Twice," and "I'm Still Here," while Kate glowed during "Barcelona," "Another Hundred People," and "The Boy From..." and Paul dazzled on "Marry Me A Little," "I Remember," and "Anyone Can Whistle."

For a great evening of Sondheim's early work, performed by extraordinary talent, I highly suggest checking out "Side By Side By Sondheim" at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC! With just one evening left (September 15 at 7pm), I would suggest getting your ticket now! Tickets are $20 + $15 food or drink minimum. For tickets call 212-695-6909!