Godspell Opening Night Photos

I'm reveling in all of the excitement from Monday's opening of Godspell.  It was such a thrilling night and it was a great opportunity to see how far the cast had come from the press rehearsal I attended in late September. My mom AKA "Grammy" was my hot date for the night, so we got all gussied up and hit the Great White Way. Here's the inside scoop on the evening and don't forget to buy your tickets to Godspell.

I made sure Grammy hit her best red carpet pose, hand on the hip!

So this is a photo from our seats.  Yup, we were that close--front row and center, thanks to Ken Davenport.  The show is at Circle in the Square, so it's theatre in the round.  

Grammy and I onstage at intermission enjoying some "wine" with the cast.  Don't miss this when you go to see the show.

Just after the final curtain call, the cast huddled for a moment onstage.  This cast is incredibly close and you can tell they genuinely enjoy working together.  This is one of my favorite pictures from my NYC trip.

The row of Canadians! If you look carefully, you see Victor Garber and Martin Short in the photo.  Many of the cast member from the legendary Canadian production were there:  Paul Schaffer, Martin, Victor, Eugene Levy, and Andrea Martin.

The stage is littered with glitter and confetti by the end of the show.

Olympic gold medalist and my favorite figure skating commentator, Dick Button. I have the pleasure of knowing his awesome daughter, Emily, and I love that the Button sass runs in the family

Director, Daniel Goldstein with me after the show.  We spent several summers together at Stagedoor Manor because I am the dork who attended musical theatre camp. (Yes, I was that kid.)

Pointing out my name on the People of Godspell banner.  Yep, I am an investor and my name is right next to Dick Button. Sweet.

Scream!! It's a Jonas Brother!  Yes, Kevin and his wife, Danielle, came to support Anna Maria Perez de Tagle in the show.

 You know I wouldn't miss this cupcake.

My mom is toasting Producer Ken Davenport for the open bar. Just kidding, Grammy!

I think I liked my faux hawk a little too much.  I took 9453029458 photos from this angle.

I love this shot.  I've known Ken (producer of Godspell) forever and I am so happy for his success. 

Seriously, could Anna Maria be any prettier?  I interviewed her earlier this year at the Kids' Choice Awards gifting suite.  Sweet girl and she's absolutely luminous in this production.

Getting our party on at Planet Hollywood!

There was glitter everywhere. I found it in my hair the next day and it was stuck to our skin.  Notice the logo of my iPhone case reflected on the glitter....it's the Godspell logo!

The opening night gift.  It was a brick.  Um, I had to fly home with a brick.  If you ever want to travel with a brick through TSA just know that you will endure a bag check and an explosives test.  

My New York

I started the day with this view.  I knew it was going to be a GREAT day.  

I walked the streets a little longer last night even though I should have been in my hotel room resting for my shoot today, but I wanted a little more time to reflect on the city I consider home.  It's no secret that I love NY, but it's been such a great journey for me:  seeing where I started in NY and where I am in NY now.  It reminds me of one of my favorite songs from Sondheim's show, Merrily We Roll Along called "Our Time".  This section of the lyric still sticks with me:

"Years from now,
We'll remember and we'll come back,
Buy the rooftop and hang a plaque:
This is where we began,
Being what we can."

These lyrics resonated with me all day as I had the wonderful opportunity to rehearse for a great project that I am shooting today, watch two longtime friends make their dreams come true with the Broadway show, Godspell, and then meet with the entertainment editor of iVillage.(I have been fortunate to do a few press junkets with them and I look forward to more!)

Now for my fellow musical theatre geeks, here are a few photos from today's incredible invited press rehearsal for Godspell.  If you would like to see some of the video footage, head to Broadway World (A prize to the first person who spots me in the video. Tell me where I am sitting in the comments below.) and be sure to read Producer Ken Davenport's blog on today's event.

 Director, Daniel Goldstein, and Choreographer, Christopher Gattelli.

 The cast!

 Hunter Parrish being interviewed by NBC.

 Ana Maria Perez de Tagle from Hannah Montana is in the cast too.  I last interviewed her here during the Kids' Choice Awards week.

Hello! It's Stephen Schwartz.  Wow!

The Tale of the iPhone Case

This weekend, a few of you may be stopping by Red Carpet Closet because of this post by my friend, Ken Davenport.  Yep, I love my iPhone and I thought it was wasted advertising space lately.  I am currently using my own case, but in the past I have utilized cases given to my by PR agencies to advertise certain products.  I thought, why don't I advertise for Godspell?  (By the way, it's no secret that I am an investor in the show.)

Photo Courtesy of Ken Davenport.

Just to prove that my iPhone is with me at all times, here are a few photos from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in February. I will be sure to take a picture on the red carpet with my new Godspell iPhone case once it reaches the Left Coast. Be sure to leave a comment below, so I can learn more about you.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Get your Godspell iPhone case here.

Follow me on:
Twitter
Facebook
Google +
              

Taking video with my iPhone of the cute kids from PS 22 walking the red carpet.

 Showing Mr. Brainwash the photo I took alongside his artwork.  

Godspell: Production Updates

As I've mentioned in this space before, I invested in the upcoming Broadway revival of Godspell.  This is the first time audiences will see a full scale production of Godspell since it made its debut on Broadway in 1976. (For my musical theatre historians, it debuted off-Broadway in 1971.)  It's time for a new generation of theatregoers to enjoy Stephen Schwartz's first blockbuster show.  If you are headed to New York in the fall, be sure to check out the production directed by my Stagedoor pal, Daniel Goldstein, and produced by NYU pal, Ken Davenport.  Tickets go on sale today with previews beginning October 13th and opening is scheduled for November 7th. (I will be there!)  The production will be at the Circle in the Square Theatre cleverly positioned right next to Schwartz's other behemoth production, Wicked which plays at the Gershwin.  The cast has yet to be announced, but a huge open call happened last week with over 1,000 hopefuls attending the casting call.

If you are interested in finding out more about the production, follow Ken's blog:  DAY BY DAY:  The Producer's Perspective.  Ken is documenting the daily activities of mounting the revival from 100 days until the first performance.

To purchase tickets, click here.

"Prepare Ye".

Wordless Wednesday

Taking a page from my pal, Tabitha's blog, Fresh Mommy, it's Wordless Wednesday.

Here's what I am excited about:
Here's why I am excited:

Previews begin Thursday, October 13th, 2011.
Opening Night is Monday, November 7th, 2011.

Godspell


Photos courtesy of Ken Davenport.

Godspell: I'm a Broadway Producer!

I never thought I would ever utter those words in my lifetime, but this musical theatre geek can finally add "Broadway Producer" to her resumé.  Godspell is being mounted for the 2011-2012 Broadway season by Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, helmed by my friend, Ken Davenport and it is being directed by my Stagedoor Manor pal, Daniel Goldstein.  While you think I may have an inside connection to helping to fund the show, I have the same opportunity as you do.  Godspell is the first Broadway show to utilize crowdfunding as a source of revenue to help mount the show.  To invest, units go for $100 with a minimum purchase of 10 units to participate. So, for $1000, you can be a Broadway producer and should the production make its money back, everyone who invests gets to share in the profits.  Cool idea, right?

Check out the wall of people who have participated so far (Can you find my name?).  If you want more information, head over to the People of Godspell or learn more about producing and marketing at Ken's site.  


I'll see you on opening night!




  

The 64th Annual Tony Awards

It's that time of year again.  Yes, a time of singing, dancing, and channeling your inner theatre geek with the 64th Annual Tony Awards.  If I could move Broadway to Los Angeles, I would.  That's how much I miss the rich theatre scene in New York.  However, LA is starting to step it up their relevance in the theatre world and I am going to throw a few of my hard earned dollars at Reprise's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying this week starring John O'Hurley, Ed Asner, Vicki Lewis, and Simon Helberg. Run by Jason Alexander (Yes, George Constanza runs a theatre program.), the organization does a great job of breathing new life into "rarely revived" musicals and enhancing the LA theatre world.  If you're like me though, you want the glitz and glam of award show season and The Tonys rarely disappoint.  I don't know how they will top last year's fun with host Neil Patrick Harris, but here are a few opportunities to participate in some of the fun:

Macy's wants to send you to the Tony Awards!  Instead of just an "enter and win" scenario, Macy's is going to make you work for it.  Show off your talent and you could be on your way to the Big Apple and hobnobbing with Broadway's elite talent.  Here's how it works, head on over to the Tony Awards page at CBS, sing your heart out, record it, vote, vote again, and hopefully win!  Simple right?  Here are the details:


Macy's Invites You to Sing Your Way to the Tony Awards

Upload a video of yourself singing one of the following songs and you can be in the running to win a trip to the 64th Annual Tony Awards on Broadway.

96,000, In the Heights 
Gimme, Gimme, Thoroughly Modern Millie 
Good Morning, Baltimore, Hairspray 
I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa my Hair, South Pacific 
Lonely Goatherd, The Sound of Music 
Maybe, Annie
One, A Chorus Line
Stars, Les Misérables 
Ya Got Trouble, The Music Man

MUSIC CLEARANCES FACILITATED BY MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, THE RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN ORGANIZATION, AND TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY. SONGS PROVIDED COURTESY OF COPYRIGHT HOLDERS.

Get Started:
1. Upload your video by May 27th noon PT
2. Vote on yor favorites from May 27th to June 1st to help determine the top 5 videos.
2. Return on June 3rd noon PT to view and vote for your favorite of the top 5.

There are some great songs listed.  I am a bit partial to "Good Morning, Baltimore" from Hairspray, but we all know what a winner Annie is, you can never go wrong with that little redheaded mop top.  Good luck!

If you are already going to be in NYC on June 13th, then this is a great affordable excuse to go to a Tony Party.  Broadway producer, Ken Davenport, in conjunction with BroadwaySpace.com is throwing a fun viewing party at Blondies on the Upper West Side.  The night promises unlimited food, contests, raffles, Broadway karaoke, and two Broadway stars from Hair hosting the event all for $25 if you grab your tickets now.  Since Ken is a pal from my NYU days, I know you won't be disappointed.     So, at least there is a Plan B if you don't win Macy's Ticket to the Tonys.  It might not be a seat in Radio City Music Hall, but you still get to hobknob with a few Broadway stars!  

KB is in the Big Apple!

I am finally back in NYC after an 8-month absence.  As an NYU alum, I consider Manhattan my home.  And this is how my home greets me......with lots of rain.  Ugly, ugly rain.  The kind that blows your umbrella inside out and makes sure your jeans are soaked from top to bottom.  Thanks for the welcome, NY!  I think it was a great reminder as to why I traded my winter coat for palm trees.

Of course, I did remember to bring my bright, shiny, yellow rain boots that everyone teased me about in Atlanta. Now that we have traveled to the next city, the only person laughing is me.  I can walk in puddles while my co-workers have wet socks.  However, I made a major fashion faux pas by doing the LA thing of rolling my jeans.  After experiencing soaking wet cuffs, I know why those fashionable Manhattanites tuck their skinny jeans into the boot.  Rookie move on my part.  I forgot how this rain thing works.

I ran through Times Square once called the "Crossroads of the World", but I think they need to rename it the "Crosswalk of the World" now that they have closed down parts of Time Square to accommodate the pedestrians and the constant roadblocks....yes, the tourists, who love to come to a dead stop in the middle of the sidewalk.  I know the city is sensory overload and it can be overwhelming, but "MOVE, dammit!"  Phew, I think I got my NY edge back, no LA fluff for me. I am back on my home turf.   Oh yeah, I got sidetracked.  I went and picked up my ticket to see Promises, Promises starring Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.  4th Row, Center Seat.  NICE.

Holy cow!  This show is STILL running??!!  Hasn't everyone seen it by now?  Mamma Mia plays at The Winter Garden Theatre much like Cats, it is "Now and Forever".

A Times Square staple, Colony Music, a fantastic old-school music store guaranteed to make any musical theatre geek's heart sing.  I spent many Friday nights sorting through the sheet music and Broadway posters during my first semester at NYU with my fellow Massachusetts pal, Ken Davenport.  Where is he now?  Check out his site and be sure to follow him for some of the most valuable and innovative marketing tips around: Davenport Theatrical Enterprises.

The lovely view from my hotel....that's what I get for asking for a corner suite.  I forget how New Yorkers live on top of each other.  So little space, so many people.

After a jaunt to Times Square and a quick stop at my hotel to change out of my wet jeans, I ran over to Macy's Herald Square to shop for Streamy Awards shoes.  I was happy to see the annual Macy's Flower Show was in full bloom on the first floor.  It was fragrant and springy inside.

                                      

While I didn't have any luck at Macy's, I knew I would find some serious shoes at 10022. The place is so spectacular, it warrants its own zip code, the Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Department.  The 8th floor isn't for the faint of heart.  The shoes are works of art and they cost an arm and a leg.

                                             

This pair of Jimmy Choo shoes would be the perfect accessory for my Streamy Awards dress.  However, the price of the shoes is close to 4 times the price of my dress.  So, no Jimmy's for me.

                                                     

So I picked up this pair:  soft, buttery leather, delicate strappy sandals with.....a red leather sole.  Yep, I picked up a pair of Louboutins.  Oh, I wanted these shoes so badly.  They were even better accessories than the Choo's, but darn, they were 5 times price of my dress.  Boo!  They went back on the shelf.

                                                  

So, I traded my Louboutins for a cupcake at the best place in the world, Magnolia Bakery, a Sex and the City staple.

                                        

And this is my favorite cupcake:  chocolate cake with loads of pink frosting and jimmies on top!

                                            

Then it was off to the show and a view that will never get old to me:  Hello, NY, so glad I am back!

xo kb

                                            

Stick around for more NY updates now through April 10th!