The End of Summer Playlist

Things have been pretty busy for me lately, and I unfortunately haven't been show-going as much as I would like. Still, even when I can't make it to the theatre, it's always nice knowing that I can always go to trusty Youtube to get a fresh musical theatre fix. Therefore, I thought I would share some of the latest videos/performances that have gotten me through the summer:

Santino Fontana and Jessica Hershberg singing Adam Gwon's "Fine"

Nothing like the chemistry of a real couple to keep this always-bouyant tune afloat.

Nick Blaemire and Charlie Rosen's Broadway Big Band doing a How to Succeed Medley

I said it before, and I'll say it again. Like buttah.

Jane Horrocks singing "Cabaret" from the Donmar Warehouse 1994 production

A new, star-studded revival has been announced of Cabaret, but I would be curious as to whether or not Michelle Williams would be able to deliver this kind of cathartic, fresh hell.

Kristin Chenoweth and Sarah Horn singing "For Good" at the Hollywood Bowl

Yes, I know Kristin Chenoweth has pulled this Wicked-duet-with-an-audience-member during concerts before, but this woman has a seriously wonderful voice. Just a lot of love here.

Pasek and Paul singing "Some Kinda Time" from Dogfight

Yep... still wearing this CD out.

Annie Golden singing Joe Iconis's "Spin Those Records"

Orange Is the New Black was the summer sensation, but an Annie + Joe collab is always sensational.

Andrew Rannells singing Hedwig's "The Origin of Love"

The big news is that NPH will be tackling this iconic role, but this song and performance are pretty close to perfection.

Arielle Jacobs, Max Chernin, Charles A. Franklin, Kerri George, and Noah Zachary singing Ryan Scott Oliver's "When the Music Ends"

Gahhh so much talent on one stage.

Little Updates...

I'm currently in the process of moving, so in the midst of that inevitable chaos, I just wanted to check in with a few minor updates worth checking out.

First of all, this is kind of last minute news, but tonight (May 10th) is the York's NEO6 benefit, where many musical theatre stars will be performing the works of emerging musical theatre composers including Barry Wyner (writer of recent Calvin Berger), Kooman and Dimond, Alan Schmuckler, and many more. Tickets are a bit pricey, but if you have some money to burn, I'm sure it's going to be a fun event.

There seem to be a slew of benefits/galas tonight, but my evening will be spent at the Playscripts 10th Anniversary Gala, which is being put on with BC/EFA. I'm looking forward to a night of excerpts from a couple of Playscripts plays, along with some musical performances from Drama Desk nominee Michael Friedman (from his work with The Civilians), Mark Baron and Jeffrey Jackson's music from Off-Broadway Frankenstein, Tom Kitt and Amanda Green's music from High Fidelity, and Nick Blaemire's Glory Days.

Also, check out newmusicaltheatre.com, which has recently added Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich to their roster of amazing artists. Buy a copy of "Taylor the Latte Boy" or "Alto's Lament" -- if not for an audition or showcase, then just so you know the right lyrics and notes when you're singing in the shower.

If you have some time to read a fun blog post, I also highly recommend Ryan Scott Oliver's breakdown of performing the "kiss measures" in his song "Halfway." The highlight is definitely his second-by-second analysis of the tensions between Alex Brightman and Jay A. Armstrong at their Kennedy Center concert.

On that note, having just seen the deeply affecting, strangely uplifting film Short Bus, I figure I would leave you with a video of the incomparable John Cameron Mitchell singing "Origin of Love" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch: