Will and Anthony Nunziata Live at the Emelin Theatre: Made Me Smile

I have seen Will and Anthony Nunziata perform live many times, but on October 20, 2012, I attended their homecoming concert at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, NY, and let me say, seeing them in a theatre setting for the first time was just as great as the smaller venues of the past. In an intimate setting, Will and Anthony know how to snuggle up to their audience and give them a good show, but when given the chance to perform in a larger venue like the Emelin Theatre, the boys know how to go big, yet keep things cozy.

Will and Anthony filled the evening with a great mix of music from Broadway, the American and Italian songbook as well as songs from their debut album "Make Someone Happy." They started off the evening with a bang, a mash-up of "This Could Be The Start of Something Big" (off their debut album) and "A Lot of Livin' To Do" (from Bye, Bye Birdie). The combination of these two songs really got the audience excited for more.

Will and Anthony Nunziata singingThey continued the evening singing such hit songs as "Everybody Says Don't," "The Way You Look Tonight," "The Impossible Dream," "Being Alive," "Pure Imagination," "Funiculi Funicula," "Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again," "The Prayer," and "Smile."

I love attending a Will and Anthony concert because they perform together and alone, giving each one the chance to shine. Together, their voices blended brilliantly: always in sync, powerful, and very easy on the ears. When the boys sang separately, I really got a flavor for each of their talents. The love they have for singing really shined through.

In between songs, Will and Anthony entertain the crowd with great stories of growing up, competing against each other, and their musical influences. One of my favorite stories they told (which I have heard before, but always enjoy) is right before they go into "The Prayer." The story is that the night their grandmother died, they found out that every night before bed she would play a recording of Will and Anthony singing "The Prayer," and the night she died, was no exception to this ritual. It's such a touching story and one that has really stuck with me, for it shows the closeness of their family as well as the enormous pride their grandmother had for them.

Whenever I attend a Will and Anthony concert, I always leave with a smile. They really know how to make an audience feel good. With great music, fun stories, and lots of love, Will and Anthony are definitely an act to go see! "Will and Anthony Live in Concert" is currently touring the country through 2013. Click here to find out when they'll be coming to your town!

Will Reynolds Poems and Moon Songs: Rising Composer

There's a new composer on the rise and his name is Will Reynolds! I had first seen Will in NYMF's Baby Case this past summer and was very taken by his performance and on November 11, 2012, I was introduced to Will Reynolds the composer in Libra Theater's presentation of Poems and Moon Songs: The Music of Will Reynolds at the Underground Lounge in NYC.

Will's style of music is very unique because he takes poems and sets them to music in addition to writing his own original songs. I was blown away by the humor, heart, and sophistication Will put into his lyrics and music. Will has a natural knack for telling stories of love and loss through song, some consisting of a comedic nature. A terrific cast of talent was put together for this wonderful evening of music: Sara Jean Ford, Marissa McGowan, Jeremy Morse, and Zachary Prince hit all the right notes throughout the evening.

My favorite songs of the night were "Heartsong" sung by the whole cast (based upon the poem by Mattie Stepanek), "Can't Fall Asleep" sung by Marissa, "Heart, We Will Forget Him" sung by Sara/Marissa, "Hope" sung by Zachary, (both songs based upon poems by Emily Dickinson), "Si Vous Me Suivez" sung by Jeremy, and "Winter, Wait for Me" and "Spring" sung by Sara. All of these songs struck a chord with me because they reflected the many moods of love/loss I have experienced. I also particularly liked how the songs were sung with big voices, control, and lots of love and enthusiasm!

I'm thrilled to have been able to part of this evening. In addition to seeing some great new talent and experiencing Will's music for the first time, profits from the evening went to Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, for Hurricane Sandy relief. 

Will's music and style is definitely going to bring a new dimension to whatever medium he uses it in (here's hoping it's theatre). 

If you weren't able to be part of this special evening, there is another chance to hear Will's music...this Monday, November 26 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center (111 Amsterdam Avenue and 65th Street) from 6:00pm to 7:30pm as part of "Broadway's Future Songbook. FOR FREE, you'll get to see excellent talent along with one of NYC's newest rising composers, Will Reynolds!

The Magic Garden 40th Anniversary Celebration: A Good Good Time

Carole Demas, Paula Janis, Adam Rothenberg, and my friend GlennOn Saturday, October 6, 2012, I was transported back to my childhood when I got to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of one of my favorite television shows growing up, "The Magic Garden" at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in NYC with it's original stars Carole Demas and Paula Janis as part of the New York Children's Theater Festival. It was a remarkable afternoon of magic, songs, laughter, and good memories.

Taking the audience on a trip down memory lane with songs and video clips from "The Magic Garden," Carole and Paula brought lots of smiles to the many faces of adults who adored them as children. This concert was a great way for this new generation of children to be introduced to two performers who helped pioneer children's television and programming. "The Magic Garden" was one of the most successful, locally produced children's shows in the country, airing on WPIX from the early 1970s to the mid 1980s.

Set in a colorful garden Carole and Paula brought stories, songs, games, lessons, and laughter to their allegiance of fans. Semi re-creating "the garden" for this concert, Carole and Paula sang some of the most popular songs from "The Magic Garden" including "The Magic Garden Song," "The Hello Song," and "Happy Makes Me Clap," which really required the whole audience to participate. One of the great things about Carole and Paula is the way in which they get the whole audience (both kids and adults) up out of their seats and singing along. In addition to these fun songs, Carole and Paula also entertained the audience with numerous clips from "The Magic Garden," some of which I really remembered watching as a child. One of my favorite parts of "The Magic Garden" was when Carole and Paula would go over to "The Chuckle Patch," a flowerbed that would tell jokes. Much to my delight this was one of the clips they showed.

With lots of love and humor, Carole and Paula told stories of their days on the show, interacting with fans, and their lifelong friendship. It was nice to see that after all this time, Carole and Paula still enjoy this time in their life and want to continue to share it with their fans, both old and new.

After 40 years of performing (and 50 years of friendship), Carole and Paula still got it! From their stage presence to their strong vocals to their love and energy, Carole and Paula continue to be in fine form. Their 40th Anniversary celebration continues with shows throughout November and December. Click here to find out when they'll be in your town!

For more on Carole and Paula and The Magic Garden be sure to visit http://www.caroleandpaula.com and follow them on Facebook!

Below is a video recap filmed by WPIX and if you watch closely, you might just catch a certain blogger during audience participation...

Graham Alexander at the Rock Shop: Biggest Fan

Adam Rothenberg and Graham AlexanderGraham Alexander at the Rock Shop in Brooklyn, NYThe first time I saw Graham Alexander perform live was in "Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles" on Broadway and it was in that moment, I knew he would go far. On October 9, 2012, I truly saw the depths to which Graham has come and will continue to go when I attended my very first Graham Alexander concert at Brooklyn's The Rock Shop.

Graham Alexander rocking the shopBen Barclay (Bass), Graham Alexander, Rob Fini (Drums), Adam Rothenberg, Zach Harski (Guitar), my friend ChristinaMixing original songs from his debut album "Graham Alexander" as well as various cover songs, Graham ROCKED the shop with his great music, high energy, and strong stage presence. Joining Graham on stage was his incredible band consisting of Rob Fini on Drums, Ben Barclay on Bass, and Zach Harski on Guitar.

I love the way Graham got the audience even more enthusiastic for his music with his humor and banter in between songs. Some of my favorite tunes were "Paralyzed," "World Without You," "Biggest Fan," and "Have A Zach Harski (Guitar)Rob Fini (Drums) and Ben Barclay (Bass)Good Life," all from his debut album. Graham also premiered a few new songs (hopefully from a forthcoming album) which I really enjoyed including "Cursed With The Faith Of A Child," "Games," and "Wait In The Rain." Because Graham is such a dynamic singer he scored well on his covers of Kenny Rogers "Lucille," John Lennon's "Instant Karma," Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart," and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son."

Since "Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles" closed on Broadway in 2011, Graham has really spent this last year focusing on his debut album, which released to strong reviews, and performing around the country. After attending this show, I can see why Graham loves singing and performing live. He LOVES his fans and really knows how to connect with them. I definitely left wanting more.

So the next time Graham Alexander is performing in your town, I highly recommend going to see him! If you can't wait until then, definitely pick up his debut album "Graham Alexander!"

On November 10 catch Graham at The Kennet Flash in Kennett Square, PA at 8pm (All ages). Click here for tickets!

On December 8 come see Graham rock NYC at The Bitter End at 9pm (all ages).

For more on Graham be sure to visit http://www.graham-alexander.net and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

The Medium: Seeing a Real Future

Like "The Medium" herself, on November 1, 2012, I saw the past, present, and future when I attended Provincetown Counter Productions and Mark Cortale's staging of Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Medium," starring Jeffery Roberson (a.k.a. Varla Jean Merman) and directed by Donna Drake at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in NYC.

Leaving "Varla" behind for this journey, Jeffery has stepped into the spotlight as himself, but in drag, playing the lead role of "Madame Flora," a "medium" who can reunite the living with the dead. Joining Jeffery on stage are Stefanie Izzo as "Monica," Edmund Bagnell as "Toby," Shannon Carson as "Mrs. Gobineau," Peter Kendall Clark as "Mr. Gobineau," and Maria Elena as "Mrs. Nolan."

When "Mr. and Mrs. Gobineau" and "Mrs. Nolan" enlist "Madame Flora's" services, hopes are high, lives are changed, and the dark musical comedy thriller ensues. "The Medium" raises many questions: What will a person do to have just a few moments with a lost loved one? Are these "mediums" really helping people or just conning their customers? Do "mediums" really see the deceased or are they just hearing voices in their head?

Maria Elena, Jeffery Roberson, Peter Kendall Clark, and Shannon Carson in "The Medium"Jeffery Roberson and Stefanie Izzo in "The Medium"Exploring these topics entirely in song, "The Medium" is dark, humorous, and just a little campy. The cast is exceptionally talented with big voices. They hit all the right notes! It was really great to see Jeffery in something very different than a "Varla Jean" show. He triumphantly tackled this role with ease.

With only has 4 performances left, "The Medium" runs through this Sunday, November 11 at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in NYC (10 West 64th Street). Click here for tickets!. I would catch it while you still can!