Your vote could help make a star

(Images courtesy of Ronnie Nelson Photography)

Your vote could help Astoria-based singer-guitarist-composer Travis Morin win his own solo show, co-presented by the New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) and Grammy Award winning record producer, Sh-K-Boom Records.

Far more than just your typical sing-off, NYMF's Next Broadway Sensation is a series of three weekly concerts, where ten skilled contestants compete for a celebrity panel of judges and audience votes to win the chance to have their own solo show produced at New World Stages.

Beginning this Sunday, September 26th, the three performances begin at 9:45 p.m., with doors opening at 9:30 p.m. at New World Stages in Midtown on 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Travis has starred in regional productions of Altar Boyz and The Who's Tommy, and can be seen playing the role of Rocky in ReVision Theatre's upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Travis can also be heard weekly at Mix Cafe + Lounge, as the host of Open Mic Night each Monday, where he performs alongside several local artists, including a handful of current Broadway stars.  A rock tenor and exquisite guitarist, Travis is known for tackling a ridiculously broad array of songs, from Kings of Leon to Pink.

Extremely proud to call him one of my dear friends, Travis brilliantly maintains the rarely-achieved balance between gorgeous vocals, a face that gets a bar swooning, yet a refreshingly humble and grateful personality, which makes it all the easier to simply and completely adore him.

I personally cannot think of a more deserving winner of such a prestigious competition, but alas, my opinion doesn't determine the outcome.  Please stop by the next three Sundays to throw your support for one of Astoria and New York City's hottest up-and-coming talents.

Tickets are just $10, and may be purchased in advance here.  For the nominal fee, you get not only the evening of rehearsed performances, but also a mini-master class at the end when each of the judges offer their feedback.

The following is a clip I recorded of Travis singing Pink's "Glitter in the Air" at open mic night.  To learn more about Travis, visit his website.  You can also show your support for him by voting each Wednesday evening at the Stonewall Sensation competition.

(Images courtesy of Ronnie Nelson Photography)

So You Think You Can Cook?

The wildly popular new kid on the block, Astor Bake Shop, will be participating at this year's event!

Dish du Jour Magazine, creators of the "Burger Battle of the Boroughs" and "The Best Meatball of the Boroughs" competitions are now preparing for their upcoming 9th Annual Food & Wine Tasting Event, The Cuisine of Queens & Beyond.

Featuring 50 of the most delicious restaurants in Queens and beyond, this year's event offers not only an array of tastings, but also a cooking challenge where one VIP ticket holder will be staged up against noted chef Rocco Sacramone (of Trattoria L'Incontro) and Bravo's Top Chef Contestant Andrea Beaman.  The competition will involve 5 ingredients under the theme, "Spice it up with flavors of the fall."

The competitors will prepare a fall-themed dish with 5 ingredients provided on the spot, with the aspiring chef receiving a $150 gift card, dinner for two at Trattoria L'Incontro, and a personal coaching session for healthy living with Andrea, along with autographed copies of her books.

This exciting event will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 6-9 pm at the Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY).

For tickets, call (718) 777-7918 or visit the Dish du Jour Magazine website.  Tickets purchased in advance are only $55 ($65 at the door--cash only).  VIP tickets are only $75 and enter you for a chance to compete (which you may decline), along with preferred seating, and gift bags.

Be sure to visit the event's Facebook page for insider scoops, and chances to win free VIP tickets!

I will definitely be there this year, and would love if you stopped me to say "hello" and share a bite or two.  It really sounds like a fun event.

Some of this year's participants include:

718 Restaurant

5 Napkin Burger

Aegean Cove

Artopolis Bakery

Astor Bake Shop

Da Franco

JJ's Asian Fusion

La Guli Pastry Shop

Lulu's Bakery

Manetta 

Seva Indian Cuisine

Trattoria L'Incontro

Watch the award-winning Sunday Morning Mimosa LIVE!

If you have ever walked along 30th Avenue or Steinway on a Sunday afternoon, you may have wondered why masses of people in every size, shape, and age are huddled around the corner of 30th Ave. & 41st St.  Is that Rosemary Clooney crooning Mambo Italiano?  Wait, now it's Britney's Womanizer... or no, is that the GaGa anthem, Bad Romance?

The music, cheering, and uproarious laughter may be what have drawn the crowds, but the reason they stay, and return week after week, is the outrageously fun and deliciously talented comedy team known as Sunday Morning Mimosa.  Originally started as a podcast on iTunes, Travis Barr, Steven Incammicia, and Joe Lisi created an entire cast of characters who narrate hilarious and quirky commentary on their lives as typical Astoria housewives.  While the podcast is still alive and strong, the internet show has now grown into a full blown production with musical numbers and dialogue that rival even the best off-Broadway productions.

Recently awarded the Pride Rally Star for outstanding performance at the Heritage of Pride Rally on the Central Park Summer Stage (where they were called back for multiple encores), Sunday Morning Mimosa has also been named one of the top cultural experiences in the five boroughs.  You may have seen them at the Why Leave Astoria event at the Beer Garden.  They perform a more improvisational sketch comedy brunch that sells out weekly at Mix Cafe + Lounge (call 347-642-4840 for reservations), and even host Italian League Bingo Night on Thursdays from 9pm to 2am at Mix.

(poster by Elias "Joey" Gutierrez)

The original trio of stars have since expanded to include the multitalented Laura Gilreath and Cassie Powell, playing secondary characters whose voices and physical comedy add a wonderful new dimension to the show.  I was recently invited to a rehearsal, where I was able to peek behind the scenes, meet the newest cast member (Cassie joins the team as Pam, Facebook friend and sketchy influence on Gina Marie's daughter, Tina Marie), witness the grueling rehearsal process, and catch a sneak peak at the elaborate full production they have developed for the Daryl Roth Theater in Union Square.

Sunday Morning Mimosa's newest show, The Showgirls Strike Back, will be playing this coming Friday night at the Daryl Roth Theater in Union Square at 10pm (the same building that houses the smash hit Fuerzabruta).  And believe me, Sunday Morning Mimosa hits the stage with just as much brute force, outrageous comedy, and musical agility as any team of acrobats flying over head in the earlier show.

Showgirls Strike Back brings the same lovable and laughable aunts Anita & Gina Marie of whom audiences have grown into loyal fanatics, but this show grows from previous incarnations in ways that reflect not only the maturity of the performers, but the development of well-loved characters over the course of years and years.  With their new production, Mimosa steps from a trio of men who do excellent characters and sing creatively-altered song lyrics to a full cast of true standout stars with a plot line that, while always silly, is poignant and brilliantly conceived.  Who else can patchwork together Marilyn Monroe, Lady GaGa, and Little Shop of Horrors into a show the leaves the audience thinking the songs were written exclusively for this purpose?

And with spectacular new Broadway-caliber costumes tailored by professional designers Elias "Joey" Gutierrez and Rachael Caunt, the Mimosa team continues to stride forward proving that they are a talent force that won't be slowing down any time soon.

* * * * *

Tickets for their 10pm show this coming Friday can be purchased at www.sundaymorningmimosa.com

They will also be performing again at the Daryl Roth on Friday, August 20th.

Tickets are $16.50 plus a one drink minimum

They can still be seen weekly at Mix Cafe + Lounge for Sunday brunch and Thursday bingo

Children of Eden: Believing in second chances

Photo Credit: Kate Northern (www.knnyc.com)

Ascending the staircase into Good Sheperd United Methodist on Crescent Street, my palms begin to sweat.

Oh God, I left my Bible at home.  I just took the Lord's name in vain... jeezus... oh wait, I did it again!  Are these shoes okay for church?  How long will the service last?  Can the minister see on my forehead every sin I committed (or at least thought about committing) since last Sunday?

As I check in at the make-shift box office (a table with a clipboard in the lobby), a quick glance to the left reveals an empty sanctuary, and thankfully the crowd meanders in the opposite direction.  My nerves quiet, and I remember that I'm not here for church.  Well, at least not in the Biblical sense...

I'm actually here for the Astoria Performing Arts Center's production of Children of Eden, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), and book by John Caird (Les Miserables).  And while a beautiful old church may provide the perfect setting for a musical based loosely on the Genesis stories of Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, and Noah's Ark, APAC's production is anything but preachy.

Using the framework of those Old Testament tales (The Council of Trent is probably rolling in their graves) the writers quite liberally exhibit artistic license on several deviations from the original scriptures.  But the message of Children of Eden isn't translation, theology, or even salvation.  It's a sometimes anguishing, yet empowering tale of redemption, love, sacrifice, family, and ultimately... free will.

Following tradition with the unique double casting of the American productions of Children of Eden (initially produced in London with a much larger cast), most of the actors double in roles, beautifully signifying the cycle of history repeating itself, and cleverly instrumenting a continuity and fluidity between the first and second act.

This Equity-studded cast is vocally on par with most productions you will find in Manhattan.  A refreshing twist to this off off Broadway staging, however, is the lack of microphones, allowing the audience to simultaneously enjoy Schwartz's aching harmonies as well as the individual voice of whichever actor is arms length away at any given point.  There was something very organic and comforting in being able to hear each individual vocalist within the greater context (somewhat fitting given the musical's themes).  A six-member orchestra elevated above the audience miraculously executes the stunning score, in impressive coordination with the actors (considering their lofty and invisible perch).

James Zanelli (Father) skillfully portrayed God, almost more of a humanly father merely longing to protect his children, even after multiple betrayals and disobediences.  Even though he wasn't necessarily the grandfatherly patriarch I envision for this role, his gorgeous baritone voice soared from tender and velvet to a booming wall of sound literally drowning out the entire cast at times.

Particularly impressive was Joseph Spieldenner in the roles of Adam and Noah.  With uniquely striking, almost Disney hero physical features, he went from quintessential goofy jock and all American boy who likes to play with bugs (Adam in Act 1), to the second act's wise and introspective Noah, faced with the dilemma of protecting his family in light of being apparently forsaken by God.

The exotically pretty Emmy Raven-Lampman also turned out a stellar transition from inquisitive and mischievous, wide-eyed Eve to family pillar and Mama Noah in Act 2.  She flawlessly delivered what is perhaps the most poignant moment of the show, the finale of Act 1.  Just before being called home to her heavenly Father, and standing solo center stage, she exquisitely held the audience in the gentle palm of her hand while lamenting, "you will know heartache, prayers that don't work, and times of bitter circumstances... but I still believe in second chances."

Just like the animals on the ark, the remainder of the cast came in a refreshing array of every shape and color, each with ample vocal chops.  My only semi-disappointment was Alan Shaw's interpretation of Cain and Japheth.  Though he exuded an evident commitment and passion perhaps greater than most others on the stage, his impressive ability to summon streams (Noah-worthy floods, really) of actual tears occasionally became somewhat distracting (he nearly cried the entire show) for a role that, although lost and misguided, could have been played a little less fragile.

Shaw's extremely physical acting sometimes distracted from what I think is probably a gorgeous voice (he had a few memorably tender moments, especially in his lovely chemistry with Yonah, sweetly played by Stacie Bond).  It was particularly unfortunate for a role that's been blessed with some of the show's most beautiful vocals (such as my personal favorite, "Lost in the Wilderness," which teetered on the verge of an almost lack of control at its soaring climax).

Photo Credit: Kate Northern (www.knnyc.com)

Even before the initial curtain, I was extremely impressed with set designer Michael P. Kramer's genius manipulation of a church recreational room and gymnasium.  The stage virtually bisects the room, with multiple platforms at one end (the Ark), a waterfall and doorway at the opposite end, and a circular platform in the center, all bridged by catwalk.  Audience seats are scattered in pockets around the stage, the farthest seat being only five rows back.  Holes in the flooring allow wooden rods to double as staffs, cages, trees, and curtain posts (props by Nicole Gaignat) for the absolutely brilliant and playful shadow puppetry (by Hunter Kaczorowski).

Lighting by Dan Jobbins was masterfully executed.  I somehow forgot I was on a gym floor, gazing at immaculately spotted actors and puppets... no small task, considering the layout of the stage and constant motion of the acting in the round.

I realized just how impressive the innovative sets and props had drawn me in during "A Piece of Eight," the Act 2 number where Yonah is banished from the table and ultimately, the ark.  The actors are literally on the their knees around the circular center stage with table settings before them, but the audience is so intimately drawn into the action that I genuinely felt as though I was sitting at dinner with Noah's family.

Costuming (also by Hunter Kaczorowski) was almost convincingly Biblical, with a nice symbolic utilization of colors.  The Greek chorus of storytellers, even more omniscient and innocent than the earthly rendering of Father, wore white.  Adam and Even began scantily clad in white and green at the inception of Eden, and gradually became more conservatively draped in browns and tans as they acquired knowledge and experience.  The only real distraction were the mismatched assortment of contemporary sandals worn by the cast, a sadly glaring blemish for otherwise seamless visuals.

All in all, it is a truly exceptional production, expertly directed by Tom Wojtunik and vibrantly choreographed by Christine O'Grady.  One of my favorite composers of musical theater, Stephen Schwartz refreshingly combines classic elements such as gorgeous lietmotifs that melodically foreshadow and connect the plot, along with a more contemporary and electric gospel and pop score.  Children of Eden is a simple, yet powerful show to be enjoyed by both veterans and novices to the theater.  The production by APAC, particularly the direction and vocals, was worthy of the Great White Way, and left me walking away quite proud to say that I live in Astoria.

Thanks to an extension, there are still a few shows available, with a final bow on May 29.  At only $18, it would almost be a crime to miss.  If you live in Astoria and love theater, I couldn't recommend a better three hours.  If you live elsewhere and want a refreshingly intimate departure from the sometimes over polished glamour displays in the city, hop on the N or W and get yourself to Queens.

(Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.)

Rockin' with DBGB & V.V. Brown

V.V. Brown performs the title track to her album, Travelling Like the Light, at the Bowery Ballroom

DBGB Kitchen & Bar (299 Bowery)

If you are going to party like a rock star, it seems only fitting to eat like one, too.  When I was invited to attend the concert of British pop star, V.V. Brown, at the Bowery Ballroom, I immediately knew where we had to nosh before the show.  Though I have frequent withdrawal cravings for the baskets of warm mini-madeleines at Daniel Boulud's uptown bistros, I have been waiting for the perfect occasion to explore the newest of his ten NYC restaurants, and his first venture below midtown.  The fact that his flagship restaurant, Daniel, was recently named on the S. Pellegrino list as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world (at #8, it's the highest ranking NYC restaurant, even above Zagat's valedictorian, Per Se) also added to the urgency for me to indulge in his downtown kitchen and bar, DBGB.

Named in playful homage to the late famous rock hall up the street, if CBGB stood for Country, Blue Grass, and Blues, then DBGB could quite easily be an acronym for Daniel's Bistro, Gastropub, & Burgers.  If the dining room decor of shelves of kitchen-worn copperware donated from famous chefs of the world seems a sort of culinary museum and tribute to the restaurant supply warehouses of the neighborhood, then perhaps the menu could be considered a museum of the history of Boulud's evolution as one of New York's most acclaimed chefs.  With a significant nod to his classic French roots, the menu also boasts more American favorites the lower east side has come to love.  The best part?  Though you can enjoy a full meal at DBGB for nearly the price of an appetizer at Daniel, the dishes are still extraordinarily unique and simply delicious.

The service was impeccable and even above and beyond what I've come to expect from the Daniel Boulud brand.  Our head server, Frank, was sensitive to our requests, and helped both compose and pace a dinner that celebrated both exquisite French fare alongside the unique gourmet pub offerings for which DBGB has received much buzz.  Suffice it to say that I have been blessed to have enjoyed more than my fair share of some of the best meals available in the culinary showcase known as New York City.  At DBGB, however, we actually giggled in such epicurean ecstasy that other guests literally approached our table to inquire about our selections, so that they could know better what to order during their next visit.

The petit plateau de fruits de mer was anything but petite.  Though I cannot claim to be an aficionado of the raw bar, my favorites were the jonah crab claws, tuna crudo, and the periwinkles (tiny marine snails that tasted somewhat like little sea sausages).  The conch was a little too firm for my enjoyment, and though the pesto aioli dressed the oysters nicely, the strong essence of ocean water is a taste I have admittedly yet to acquire.

To pair with the upcoming courses, our server recommended this double abbey ale.  Unfiltered, it's literally a living beer... continually fermenting in the cask until it's poured.  It was deliciously hoppy, yet smooth and caramelly.

The beaujolaise is one of the most popular of the sausages made in house.  Resting on a bed of French green lentils, this link is stuffed with pork, mushrooms, onion, and bacon that has been sweetly marinated in red wine.

My personal favorite was the Vermont, a pork sausage paired with hash browns and red onion creme fraiche.  When you cut into this wham-banger, a river of creamy Vermont cheddar comes melting out (my stomach just boisterously growled while recalling how savory and wonderful I found this brilliant bite).

The white and green asparagus paired with a cracklin' breaded fried egg and smoked duck redefined the notion of breakfast at dinner.

The soft-centered yolk blending with the mustard dressing created an explosion of simple flavors that I would recommend for any newcomer to DBGB.  Perfection.

Though we were tempted to try one of the unique burgers (the Piggie, for example, is topped with pulled pork and jalapeno mayonnaise), we simply couldn't resist the server's recommendation of the roasted leg of lamb over eggplant caponata, served with panisse fritters (chickpea fries).

For dessert, we sampled a specialty rice beer, an intoxicating barley wine, and a strawberry-infused blonde beer of which I would have taken home a keg had it been offered to go.

The Omelette Norvegienne was an incomparable baked Alaska of pistachio and vanilla ice creams, raspberry sorbet, and fresh meringue in a chartreuse flambée.

Mymi's Rhubarb Tart with rhubarb ice cream tasted like a blend between a perfect rendition of the classic pie and creme brulée.

The dessert special was like the picasso of tiramisu... a shortbread chipwich filled with mocha & mascarpone ice creams, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, served with a pitcher of mocha creme anglaise for pouring.

After what certainly climbed near the top of favorite dining experiences, we left absolutely pleased and already thoroughly entertained as we walked the few blocks to the Bowery Ballroom.  V.V. Brown was equally delicious and effervescent, and the ideal icing on the cake to an exquisite evening.  Even if you don't hold tickets to one of the famous downtown music halls, it's great to know you can at least dine like a rock star on a non-celebrity budget.  DBGB Kitchen & Bar has undeniably secured its place in my hall of fame.

Buffem & Rittale Buffet on the Bay

If you've read the recent write-up of Sunday Morning Mimosa in the NY Daily News, then you already know that this hilarious duo of men in zebra print skirts and fuschia pumps are not exactly drag (the etymology of which may be slang for "DRessed As a Girl"), but rather a little more chic (Comedians Hidden In Costume).  Though Travis Barr and Steven Incammicia (the wigged comics) harbor a genuine respect for New York's colorful array of unquestionably gifted female impersonators, Anita M. Buffem and Gina Marie Rittale (their feminine alter egos) resonate much more as a modern day Bosom Buddies or Mrs. Doubtfire than RuPaul.  These two aunts from Astoria have deeply developed personas with detailed back stories (often involving several unseen secondary characters).

The Sunday Morning Mimosa team even occasionally features Gina Marie's daughter, Tina Marie (played by an actual woman, Laura Gilreath), as well as their manager, Vinny (played by Joe Lisi).  Tossing each of these ingredients into the mix, the final product is something much closer to improv musical sketch comedy than cross-dressed cabaret or stand-up.  Scattered throughout the outrageous banter and sketches, Anita and Gina Marie perform fully choreographed renditions of pop hits (Lady GaGa, Britney Spears) as well as classic croonings with ridiculously re-worked lyrics certain to make you guffaw.

Though Sunday Morning Mimosa stars weekly in Astoria at Mix Cafe + Lounge hosting two hilarious shows during Sunday brunch, as well as bingo on Thursday nights (soon to move to Tuesdays), one of the best ways to meet these outlandish ladies of Queens is to tune-in to their podcast on iTunes.

Whether a current fan, or simply curious, you should treat yourself and a group of friends to their upcoming "On the Bay Buffet Spectacular," where they've worked out an entirely new show set in the absolutely breathtaking Lombardi's on the Bay (sister restaurant of renowned Long Island cornerstone, Mamma Lombardi's).  Following just a short train ride into Long Island, $40 gets you admission to the show, along with an Italian buffet.

I recently had the honor of accompanying Sunday Morning Mimosa star, Travis Barr, to sample the menu and check out Anita M. Buffem's celebrity crib.

After convincing him that perhaps a B.L.T. wasn't the most authentic choice at this Long Island Italian establishment, Travis was all smiles as he enjoyed Mamma's Rigatoni with Meatballs and Ricotta.

We shared an absolutely fantastic dish of mushroom caps stuffed with crabmeat and gorgonzola.

I dove into one of their specials: homemade cavatelli in a sundried tomato cream sauce, with scrumptious jumbo lumps of lobster meat.  Out-of-this-world.

After ridiculous portions of delicious pastas, fantastic conversation with the outrageously talented and hysterical Travis Barr (every bit as sweet out of costume as he is hilarious as Anita), we took a detour to the room where Sunday Morning Mimosa will be hosting their Buffet Spectacular... a gorgeous hall simply fit for a queen.

Tickets for SMM's shows tend to sell-out quickly, so be sure to call soon for your reservation.  Having the joy of witnessing these brilliantly talented men both on and off stage, I could not more wholeheartedly recommend an evening filled with great food, side-splitting laughter, and what surely is one of the most breathtaking dining settings in all of New York.

Call (631) 654-8970 to reserve your seat today for Friday, April 30th at 8pm!

Someone Like Me: Travis Morin hits The Duplex

I am extremely excited to announce the eagerly anticipated date of Travis Morin's rock cabaret, Someone Like Me.  Just as unbelievably lovable as he is ridiculously gifted, his lyric rock tenor stylings will be rendering fresh interpretations of an eclectic array of hits from stars such as Pink, Kings of Leon, Lady GaGa, Extreme, and many more.

Someone Like Me will be playing one night only, April 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. at The Duplex. Seating is extremely limited, so place your reservations as soon as possible.

Travis has most recently been seen as Luke in the D.C. cast of Altar Boyz, and hosts Mix Factor, a weekly open mic night at Mix in Astoria (40-17 30th Ave.) on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.  Rest assured this cabaret is an evening you will not want to miss...

Yank! A New Musical

Tonight marks the opening of previews for a musical I have been highly anticipating...

According to the website: 

"Set during World War II, Yank! chronicles the romantic relationship between two servicemen long before don't-ask-don't-tell was part of the national discussion.  With a lively score inspired by the pop sounds of the 1940s,  Yank! captures the spirit and exuberance of the era even as it explores questions of prejudice,  courage and survival. It tells the story of Stu—a photographer for Yank magazine—and Mitch, an Army Private, who fall in love and struggle to survive in a time and place where the odds are stacked against them."

I have several friends who are either closely associated with this production, or have fallen in love with its earlier versions, and they all say that it is a powerful, beautiful new musical with an incredible score (Joseph Zellnik, music and David Zellnik, lyrics).  The cast looks to be phonemonal, as well.  In particular, I am looking forward to seeing Bobby Steggert, as he blew me away as younger brother in the recent Broadway revival of Ragtime.

Performances are presently scheduled through March 21st.  I will be sure to post a review as soon as I have the joy of experiencing the show personally, but in the meantime, click here to purchase your tickets...

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!

If you have ever even remotely contemplated seeing the stage version of Mary Poppins, throw away any hesitation whatsoever and GO SEE IT!

This week, in the middle of the brief blizzard, I (along with five friends) made the trek through the snow drifts to the absolutely breathtaking New Amsterdam Theatre in Times Square to see the Disney classic, adapted for the stage.

Even though it has been running a few years now, I cannot fathom a more talented cast.  The current Mary Poppins is Laura Michelle Kelly, who originated the role in London's West End (and won the Olivier for Best Actress).  You might also recognize her as the Beggar Woman from Tim Burton's movie adaptation of Sweeney Todd.  You will absolutely fall in love with her portrayal of the famous nanny who turns the lives of the Banks family upside down.

Rebecca Luker (for whom I fell head-over-feet as Lily in The Secret Garden) still sings the role of Mrs. Banks, flawlessly.

Though I loved Gavin Lee as Bert in both London and on Broadway, the present incarnation is created brilliantly by Christian Borle (I could mention his other credits, but all that really matters to me is that he is married to Sutton Foster!)  Every time I have seen him in any role, I am always amazed by his natural genius for physical comedy, and very real, honest, vocal interpretations.

While Mary Poppins was nominated for a multiplicity of awards, it comes as no surprise that Bob Crowley won the 2007 Tony for scenic design.  The Banks' home is almost an uncredited character in the play... a gorgeous two story home that lifts into rafters, descends beneath the stage, and literally comes to life at the touch of Mary Poppins.

Mary Poppins is truly a magical night on Broadway.  From tap dancing on the ceiling, to the nanny soaring over the audience, produced like only Cameron MacKintosh can (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Phantom, Cats...) I can guarantee you will find yourself leaning forward in complete fascination.  And while it contains a combination of the elements of both the movie and the original book by E.L. Travers, it certainly is more than just a children's musical.  All six of us left the theater that night with enormous smiles on our faces, oblivious to the slushy streets and honking cab drivers.  It was hilarious to see the audience pouring out of the theater with open umbrellas, as if waiting for the wind to catch us and fly us over Manhattan.

The Grammys Go Broadway

If you watched the Grammys this past Sunday night, you were undoubtedly wowed by a daintily dressed, drenched Pink dangling and dripping from the ceiling, and GaGa and Elton crooning at a baby hand... I mean, ummm, baby grand (what were those arms sprouting from the piano?)  But one of the performances getting the least buzz is one that, upon closer inspection, really excites me... the Broadway cast of American Idiot singing "21 Guns" with Green Day.

In anticipation of the show's arrival on Broadway this March, Green Day recently re-recorded their current hit with the Broadway cast.  Look closely, and you will notice the likes of John Gallagher, Jr. (Spring Awakening), Alysha Umphress (check her out on my YouTube videos from Musical Mondays at Splash), and Andrew Call (yes, the former bartender from our regular watering hole, The Ritz).

If you are currently on the fence about Green Day's album being morphed "into a high-octane rock opera about war, drugs, dreams and reality" (Playbill), watch the new video below.  I think this could be really exciting.  Give the whole video a watch, but it really gets my heart thumping after the three-minute mark...

[title of show] on Broadway

If you live in or nearby New York City, or can make the trek here anytime soon, you simply must get a ticket to [title of show].

Yes, that's the actual name of the show...

[title of show] began as a demo CD of 4 tracks for a theater festival, and eventually was born as a full musical off-Broadway at The Vineyard. [tos] is a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. And yes, it also stars those two guys who wrote the musical (Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen), alongside their two self-proclaimed secondary characters (Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell) who play themselves, as well.

Avenue Q and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee alum, Barrett Foa, first recommended the show to me one evening while he was dining in the midtown lounge where I was serving. He emphatically insisted that if I were to only see one show in the upcoming weeks, [title of show] was the one I absolutely had to see before it closed at The Vineyard.

I never did.

Following the off-Broadway run, I noticed on my iTunes "Just for You" section, that a cast recording had been released. I sampled it, and instantly fell in love. Shortly thereafter, buzz began circulating that the cast and creators of the show were producing You Tube videos, trying to gather support for a Broadway bow. Consequently, there now exists an entire international internet community of fans, known as [tos]sers.

If you can't make it to the Great White Way to see [tos], then you truly should go to You Tube and watch the [title of show] show... It is sidesplittingly ridiculous and wonderful. I recommend starting with the Christmas Special to get hooked, but then go back and watch from the beginning in sequence.

Long story not quite so long, [tos] is the little musical that could, and just a few days ago officially opened on Broadway. And today, I sat in seat A 103 in the center orchestra section, and found myself laughing, crying, and cheering with every single person around me...

The entire cast was spectacular, and perfectly suited for their roles (they play themselves, after all...)  Heidi Blickenstaff's featured song moved me immensely.  But something about Susan Blackwell really struck a chord.  Never have I seen an actor with such brilliant comedic timing, who is equally capable of exposing her vulnerability in the most tender of ways...  It was one of the most sincere performances I have seen.

For a show with no costume changes, relatively no props (other than a turkey burger and some Playbills), a single keyboardist (an adorable Larry Pressgrove) as the orchestra, a set of four mismatched chairs, and four actors who have never before been adequately showcased--you will never witness more sincere dialogue, original comedy, and heartfelt singing.  I could not more highly recommend an evening (or matinee) of theater.

You should [tos]itively see this show...