#producer tom kirdahy

[jonathangroffappreciation]

[jgroffdaily]

JONATHAN GROFF SETS 2025 BROADWAY RETURN WITH ‘JUST IN TIME’

by Philip Boroff

EXCLUSIVE: Newly minted Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff will play the 1950s and ’60s crooner Bobby Darin in a staged reading next month, ahead of a planned Broadway opening in spring 2025, people familiar with the musical said.

The reading of Just in Time will be directed by Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!). On Broadway, Tom Kirdahy and Robert Ahrens are set to produce the show, which tells the story of the short but eventful life of the popular performer, whose hits included “Mack the Knife,” “Dream Lover” and “Just in Time.”

Born Walden Robert Cassotto in East Harlem, Darin had rheumatic fever as a child that damaged his heart. He lived, he acknowledged, as if on borrowed time before his death at 37.

He led a new generation of swinging singers into the rock revolution of the 1960s. He also acted in movies, composed music, married the actress Sandra Dee and as an adult discovered that the woman he thought was his older sister was his mother.

“I went on YouTube,” Groff told reporter Elysa Gardner before a rehearsal of an early version of the show, presented as part of the 92nd Street Y ‘s “Lyrics and Lyricist” series in 2018. “I watched all these TV performances, from the beginning to the end of his career, and I was blown away by his versatility. The rock & roll and the standards, the dancing, the folk songs. The duets with George Burns and Judy Garland. His life was insane.”

Darin spawned many imitators, including Kevin Spacey, who played him in the biofilm Beyond the Sea. The ballad “Just in Time” was composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden for the musical Bells are Ringing. It became a hit for Dean Martin, among others, who was in the 1960 movie adaptation directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Besides Groff, casting wasn’t available. The reading isn’t affected by the monthlong Actors’ Equity strike intended to pressure the Broadway League to improve its Development Agreement with the union. Actors will be working under a contract negotiated with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), an association of nonprofit theater companies.

Although the reading will be in New York, it’s under the aegis of Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, which is a LORT member.

In a charmed career, the 39-year-old Groff has performed in the Frozen films, the TV series Glee and three acclaimed Broadway blockbusters — Spring Awakening, Hamilton and most recently Merrily We Roll Along — each of which earned him a Tony nomination. (He won for Merrily.)

Groff was also the first Seymour in the hit off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, produced by Ahrens, Kirdahy and Hunter Arnold. Andrew Barth Feldman is currently playing the role.

In his moving acceptance speech at the Tony awards in June, Groff spoke about his love of the Broadway community and how “musical theater is still saving my soul.” Just in Time will aim for multigenerational appeal, as the young Broadway star sings 65-year-old standards.

Since the pandemic, older audiences have been slow to return to Broadway. If Just in Time is well received, Groff may be just the man to help bring them back.

**

Source: Philip Boroff in Broadway Journal.

Jonathan led a reading of the show on 15 March 2024 after rehearsing for a couple of weeks with the cast. Details below:

[littlespringsongbird]

Reeve Carney final Hadestown show at the Walter Kerr on 19/11/2023

From left to right

Tom Kirdahy (producer) Amber Gray, Andre De Shields, Reeve Carney, Eva Nobelzada, Patrick Page, Rachel Chavkin (director) and octopus theatricals (theatre productions)

Photo by Lia Chang

[d-criss-news]

Suddenly Seymour! See an exclusive first look at Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood in Little Shop of Horrors

The "Glee" and "Westworld" alums star in the Westside Theatre's off-Broadway production through March 31.

After her biting performance on True Blood and violent Westworld adventures, Evan Rachel Wood is no stranger to a bloody good time — but now she's the one in danger of being bitten.

The Emmy-nominated actress just made her debut as Audrey in the Westside Theater's ongoing production of Little Shop of Horrors alongside Emmy-winning Glee and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story star Darren Criss as Seymour, and EW has an exclusive first look at the new costars in action.

The Westside's award-winning off-Broadway production kicked off in October 2019 with Jonathan Groff as Seymour and Tammy Blanchard as Audrey, and has since seen a cavalcade of stars step into the roles. Recent Seymours have been Gideon Glick, Jeremy Jordan, Conrad Ricamora, Skylar Astin, Rob McClure, Matt Doyle, and Corbin Bleu. The roster of Audreys include Lena Hall, Maude Apatow, Joy Woods, and Constance Wu.

“The casting of this show has become one of the greatest joys of our lives,” Little Shop producers Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold, and Rob Ahrens, said in a statement in December when Wood and Criss were announced as joining the cast alongside Bryce Pinkham as Orin the dentist and Stephen DeRosa as Mr. Mushnik.

“The fact that in year five, we continue to attract talent like Evan Rachel Wood and Darren Criss is a testament to Howard Ashman’s and Alan Menken’s Little Shop of Horrors being one of the finest achievements in musical theater — and to Michael Mayer’s perfectly and joyously staged production," the statement continued. "As two of the most daring, enticing, and dynamic stars of their generation, we cannot wait to see the magic that real-life friends Evan & Darren bring to their roles.”

Loosely based on the 1960 black comedy movie The Little Shop of Horrors (starring Jack Nicholson as Orin!), Ashman and Menken's Little Shop of Horrors follows the bloody misadventures of a well-meaning florist named Seymour as he attempts to raise a snappy, tough-talking, man-eating plant named Audrey II. Their musical premiered off-off-Broadway in 1982 before eventually hitting Broadway proper, then then became a movie starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Green in 1986.

[citylifeorg]

Announcement of Final Stephen Sondheim Musical HERE WE ARE

Photo by Tomas Martinez on Unsplash Book by David Ives Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Inspired by two films of Luis Buñuel Directed by Joe Mantello This Strictly Limited Engagement Begins Performances in September 2023 at The Shed’s Griffin Theater Producer Tom Kirdahy is thrilled to announce the world premiere of HERE WE ARE, the final musical by legendary composer Stephen…

[reportwire]

Laurie Metcalf to Return to Broadway in a Horror Story, ‘Grey House’

Horror films have become a rare bright spot for contemporary Hollywood. Now a group of theater artists is hoping the genre can work on Broadway, too. The producers Tom Kirdahy (“Hadestown”) and Robert Ahrens (“Little Shop of Horrors”) said Tuesday that they are planning to bring an unsettling new play, “Grey House,” to Broadway this spring. The production will reunite the actress Laurie Metcalf…

[jonathangroffcentral]

See Photos of Jonathan Groff, Tammy Blanchard, and Christian Borle in Little Shop of Horrors

By Nathan Skethway, Marc J. Franklin

Oct 15, 2019

The Off-Broadway revival of the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken musical, directed by Michael Mayer, opens October 17.

Seymour and Audrey live again, as the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors continues preview performances. And now, fans of the show and its stars—Jonathan Groff, Tammy Blanchard, and Christian Borle—can see how the trio of Broadway faves are bringing the beloved characters to life.

The revival of the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken classic, featuring Kingsley Leggs as The Voice of Audrey II and directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), began performances September 17 at the Westside Theatre.

In Little Shop, Seymour discovers a mysterious—and voracious—plant that suddenly thrusts him into an epic battle that will determine the fate of the entire human race.

The cast of the revival, which is scheduled through January 2020, also includes Tom Alan Robbins as Mushnik, Ari Groover as Ronnette, Salome Smith as Crystal, Joy Woods as Chiffon, Stephen Berger, Chris Dwan, Kris Roberts, Chelsea Turbin, Eric Wright, and Teddy Yudain.

Little Shop is set to open October 17. Tony nominee Gideon Glick (To Kill a Mockingbird, Significant Other) will play Seymour for two weeks, November 5–17, while Groff is on a scheduled leave.

Rounding out the creative team are choreographer Ellenore Scott (Head Over Heels associate), Tony-nominated scenic designer Julian Crouch (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), two-time Tony-winning lighting designer Bradley King (Hadestown), Emmy-winning costume designer Tom Broecker (Everyday Rapture), Tony-winning sound designer Jessica Paz (Hadestown), Emmy-nominated puppet designer Nicholas Mahon (Pyeongchang Olympics Opening Ceremony), puppets by Monkey Boys Productions, and music supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger Will Van Dyke (Pretty Woman).

Little Shop is produced by Tom Kirdahy, Robert Ahrens, Hunter Arnold, Mickey Liddell, Caiola Productions, Curt Cronin, John Joseph, DDM Productions, Desantis-Baugh Productions, Elizabeth Dewberry & Ali Ahmet Kocabiyik, Wendy Federman, Roy Furman, Deborah Green, Kayla Greenspan, Marguerite Hoffman, Sally Cade Holmes, Latitude Link, Seriff Productions, Silva Theatrical Group, and Eric Gelb/Oliver Roth.

Casting is by Jim Carnahan, CSA, and general management is by Live Wire Theatrical/Chris Aniello.

[christinealtomare]

I read this on zacharyadkins blog but was hoping to hear your thoughts too since you have such good info. Is the lawsuit really the reason they haven't recouped yet?

No?? First off, as @chrhorowitz pointed out, Broadway shows get sued all of the time. I don’t think it matters lol. However, it’s the producers and McNally who are getting sued. Not the production itself.

“Anastasia’s producers, named in the suit alongside Tony-winning book writer Terrence McNally, initially moved for summary judgment, stating that the two works were not substantially similar.” (x)

Tom Kirdahy, Stage Entertainment, and co. are not going to pay their lawyers with Anastasia’s money? That’s going to their investors. So no, the lawsuit likely isn’t impacting Anastasia’s road to recoupment at all. More likely what has set them back is the fact that they had to buyout Zach.

Source: @fancynewaddress, who actually went to law school.

[jgroffdaily]

A new photo of Jonathan with Tom Kirdahy, posted by Tom. Tom is a producer for the Bobby Darin musical, which had a workshop this week. Magician Scott Gorbach posted about performing for cast and crew on Facebook.

[christyaltomaredaily]

‘Anastasia’ producer, Tom Kirdahy, shares a special announcement with Christy Altomare.

[broadwayworld]

Producers Rick Ferrari, Donovan Leitch, Christine Russell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Louise Gund, Hunter Arnold and Tom Kirdahy have just announced that Head Over Heels, the new musical featuring the iconic songs of The Go-Go's, the most successful female rock band of all time, will be coming to Broadway during the 2018-2019 Season at a Broadway Theatre to be announced, following an out of town engagement at San Francisco's Curran theater beginning April 24 through May 20, 2018.

[tripstations]

The IGLTA Foundation brings Voyage to New York City

The IGLTA Foundation is putting finishing touches on Voyage, its signature fundraising event, unfolding at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on Friday, 26 April. Produced in conjunction with the IGLTA Annual Global Convention, the benefit celebrates and supports a world in which LGBTQ+ travelers feel safe and welcome.

This year’s event will include a special presentation of the IGLTAF Humanitarian Award to Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class) and theater producer Tom Kirdahy (Master Class, It’s Only a Play). The couple, a powerhouse of Broadway, will also participate in an on-stage interview with emcee Reginald Charlot of NYC & Company, who serves as the IGLTAF Board Chair.

“It’s a great honor to recognize Terrence McNally and Tom Kirdahy,” Charlot said. “They have elevated the voices of LGBTQ+ people through their years of contributions to the stage and made the theater a richer, more diverse place for us all. They also have inspired us through their personal activism in support of marriage equality and HIV/AIDS organizations.”

Voyage will feature music from DJ Dawson, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. IGLTA convention registration is not required to attend. Tickets are available via the igltaconvention.org website and may be collected at the Lighthouse on the evening of the event.

EVENT DETAILS

Voyage Friday, 26 April 2019 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers

Travel News | eTurboNews

Original Article

The post The IGLTA Foundation brings Voyage to New York City appeared first on Tripstations.

from Tripstations http://bit.ly/2IyTRcM via IFTTT

[demitgibbs]

Q&A: ‘Anastasia’ Comes to The Broward Center

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to present the Fort Lauderdale premiere of Anastasia from April 23 through May 5.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime and inspired by the beloved films, Anastasia is the new Broadway musical that’s “one of the most gorgeous shows in years!” (New York Observer). This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920’s as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Anastasia features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush, new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), and direction by Tony Award®-winning director Darko Tresnjak.

The new musical has played to sold out crowds on Broadway since officially opening in April 2017, in addition to garnering multiple Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards and nominations.

The original Broadway cast recording is available at BroadwayRecords.com, Amazon.com and iTunes. The 75-minute album includes the Academy Award-nominated favorite “Journey to the Past” alongside new numbers from the show such as Christy Altomare’s haunting “In My Dreams,” Ramin Karimloo’s passionate “Still,” and Derek Klena’s heart-racing “My Petersburg.”

The National Tour of Anastasia is produced by Stage Entertainment, Bill Taylor (Sister Act, Rocky), Tom Kirdahy (It’s Only A Play, The Visit), Hunter Arnold (Kinky Boots, Spring Awakening), 50 Church Street Productions, The Shubert Organization, Elizabeth Dewberry & Ali Ahmet Kocabiyik, Carl Daikeler, Warner/Chappell Music, 42nd Club/Phil Kenny, Judith Ann Abrams Productions, Broadway Asia/Umeda Arts Theater, Peter May, David Mirvish, Sandi Moran, Seoul Broadcasting System, LD Entertainment/Sally Cade Holmes, Seriff Productions, Van Dean, Tamar Climan and in association with Hartford Stage.

The touring company stars: Lila Coogan (Anya); Stephen Brower (Dmitry); Jason Michael Evans (Gleb);

Joy Franz (Dowager Empress); Tari Kelly (Countess Lily); Edward Staudenmayer (Vlad); Victoria Amelia Bingham (Little Anastasia) and Brianna Abruzzo, Ronnie S. Bowman, Jr., Alison Ewing, Peter Garza,

Jeremiah Ginn, Brett-Marco Glauser, Lucy Horton, Mary Illes, Kourtney Keitt, Beth Stafford Laird,

Mark MacKillop, Kenneth Michael Murray, Claire Rathbun, Michael McCorry Rose, Matt Rosell,  

Sareen Tchekmedyian, and Addison Mackynzie Valentino.

#td_uid_1_5cb882d7c864d .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { background: url(https://hotspotsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Stephen-Brower-Headshot-160x120.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; }

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Stephen Brower

It was a pleasure to sit down with Stephen Brower (Dmitry) for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?

I started performing when I was about 8 years old since there was a neighborhood playhouse, which had an improv summer camp for kids. The year before I started I saw my brother perform a homemade performance of Peter Pan, and I decided I could do it much better. I started acting, and never stopped.

What was your first professional role?

It was in the Lear Theater in Oklahoma City. My high school drama teacher told me to drive over to an audition, and I did. I was in the ensemble of Oliver and Hairspray that summer. I was paid, but next to nothing.

How did you get cast in this Broadway Across America production of Anastasia?

I auditioned for the Broadway show and was lucky enough to get cast and get put in the show right away as an ensemble member. I then started to understudy for Dmitry. About six months later they were casting for the national tour, which I auditioned for and got the lead.

Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?

I loved playing Adam Hochberg in An American in Paris. I started as an understudy, and they promoted me to the lead for the last two months of the tour. It’s such a fantastic role and the show has amazing music.

What is your fantasy role?

I am really interested in doing new work and developing new characters, however, I do love some of the classics. I would love to play Billy Crocker in Anything Goes.

What should our readers expect from this production of Anastasia?

You can expect an epic journey full of romance, and dance, with beautiful costumes and a good time for all ages. And we are all really excited to be in Florida, and to soak up some warm weather!  

View this post on Instagram

  🐧🐧🐧

A post shared by Stephen Brower (@stephenbrower) on Apr 14, 2019 at 1:54pm PDT

For more information on Stephen, you can follow him on Instagram.com/StephenBrower.

Tickets for Anastasia are available at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33312, browardcenter.org or call 954.462.0222. Ticket prices start at $40.25*.

For more information on the show go to: Anastasiathemusical.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/04/18/qa-anastasia-comes-to-the-broward-center/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/184272106045