Tag: broadway

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Art Events Featured NYC Theater

The Color Iz – Dance, Creative Expression and Performance

The Color Iz at The Stone Wall
Photo credits: Christopher Jones Cindy Sibilsky
Dance is a form of expression, brings people of color, gender, age, and ethnicity together. One thing, I’ve always loved about dance is that there are no boundaries, no discrimination of any kind, it’s a forum like no other. Freeing oneself to feel the beat, hear the depth of the music and move to it. 

The New York Hustle Dance community saved me many years ago when I first came to New York City. They opened their arms, and hearts to me accepting me unconditionally. So when they come to me for a favor, I jump with pleasure!

by Abdiel Jacobsen
Kristine Bendul, Broadway veteran, and Abdiel Jacobsen, former Principal Dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, met through an incredible course of events in the world of Hustle dance. Although they both have extensive experience in their respective individual careers as performers – over 38 years combined – their partnership began on the social dance floor. 

It was love-at-first-dance and as dedicated members of the Hustle dance community, they decided to forge a new partnership committed to the cultural preservation and artistic evolution of Hustle.

Last year they co-founded  Trān-sēnd’Dæns, a Multi-Media Production and Talent Management Group, which produced their first production: The Color Iz conceived, directed and choreographed by Kristine and Abdiel. Premiered on August 14th, 2019 The Color Iz is a commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that gave birth to the Gay Rights Movement while celebrating diverse and inclusive artistic communities of NYC highlighting particularly The Stonewall Inn and Hustle dance.
Save Stone Wall Inn & The Color Iz
The Color Iz
Now the Stonewall Inn is under threat to close permanently due to financial constraints from COVID-19. Unknown to the mainstream, The Stonewall Inn has a second-floor space that is also a place for artists of the LGBTQ+ community of all experiences to come together in creative expression and performance. Kristine and Abdiel wish to use their artistic voices to advocate the importance of this welcoming creative space and its preservation as a national historic landmark.
Save Stone Wall Inn & The Color Iz
Photo credits, Christopher Jones, Cindy Sibilsky
Inspired to help, they decided to offer an online virtual reimagining of The Color Iz for its year anniversary to be streamed on Friday, August 14th at 9 pm EST as a fundraising event to support The Stonewall Inn.
Save Stone Wall Inn & The Color Iz
Photo credits, Christopher Jones, Cindy Sibilsky
Our team at Downtown and all of the Dance Community ask for your help. Please support, every penny counts. Grace A. Capobianco
100% of the donations will go to the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI).
Donate to view HERE:gf.me/u/yg6m2j

 

Once you have donated you will receive a link to view the online event on Friday, August 14th at 9 pm EST.

In addition, you will be sent a separate Zoom link to join the closing online dance party right after the performance hosted by the one and only DJ Jamal Rigault.

Save Stone Wall Inn & The Color Iz
Photo credits, Christopher Jones, Cindy Sibilsky
 
Cast:
Kristine Bendul
Elizabeth Darchi
Coral Dolphin
Abdiel Jacobsen
Tomás Matos
Mihoko Ninomiya
Greg Osei
Joseph Prestamo
Waldemar Quionnes-Villanueva
Sal Rentas
Smitty Smith
Joana Matos
 
Social media:
Kristine and Abdiel: kristine_abdiel
Kristine Bendul: IG @kbendulny | FB Kristine Bendul
Abdiel Jacobsen: IG @abdielcedric | FB Abdiel Cedric Jacobsen
Trān-sēnd’Dæns: IG @transenddaens | Trān-sēnd’Dæns
Company Website: https://www.transenddaens.com/
 
Categories
Events Health NYC Theater

Broadway’s Best for Breast Cancer!

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is raising the curtain on a five-episode virtual health and wellness series, Broadway’s Best for Breast Cancer!, led by Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez.

Caroline Kohles

The series is part of JCC’s cancer care partnership with Breastlink New York, an initiative that offers complementary care to those living with breast cancer.

This free series kicks off on Monday, June 1, and airs every Monday at 6:00 pm. It’s co-hosted by Caroline Kohles, senior director of health and wellness programming at the JCC.

“People living with cancer right now are anxious and afraid,” Kohles says. “They are going to be sheltering in place for much longer than the rest of us because their immune systems are so compromised. They need practices and tools to help with the fear and anxiety and a bit of entertainment to distract them and keep them focused and positive.”

“Together we will laugh, cry, and learn—while boosting our health,” says Gonzalez, who is currently battling breast cancer. “Along the way, I will share my personal journey with cancer. I will also share how my theater skills and loved ones got me through some tough times.”

Currently starring as Angelica Schuyler in the megahit Hamilton (until the Broadway shutdown in March), Gonzalez also originated and starred as Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical In The Heights, for which she received a Drama Desk Award. She has starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, for which she was honored with a Broadway.com Award for Best Replacement. She also appeared on Broadway in Aida, Lennon, and Dance of the Vampires, and Off-Broadway in Eli’s Comin’.

Shows feature guest Broadway stars, who offer guidance to those facing health challenges during the pandemic.

Each is followed by a live Q&A on Facebook Live. You can register online in advance here.

The series will feature appearances by Dr. Alison Estabrook, renowned breast surgeon and co-founder of Breastlink New York. The June 1 episode will feature a conversation with Krysta Rodriguez (Spring Awakening, The Addams Family, In the Heights), and guidance from positive psychologist Maria Sirois, a master teacher, facilitator, author, and international consultant who focuses on the resilience of the human spirit when under pressure and/or during the significant transition.

Subsequent episodes of Broadway’s Best for Breast Cancer! will feature health and wellness experts, as well as Broadway stars:

  • Episode 2 (June 8): Kerry Butler, who delivered award-nominated and/or -winning performances in Broadway’s Mean Girls, Xanadu and Hairspray; and, international best-selling author and research psychologist Kelly McGonigal, discussing the joy of movement and the healing power of music.
  • Episode 3 (June 15): James Monroe Iglehart, best known for his Tony Award-winning performance as the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway; and, Kathy Washburn, founder of Carved by Cancer, a support network for cancer survivors, discussing the taboo topic of sexuality and cancer and how creativity can be unleashed with “masterdates.”
  • Episode 4 (June 22): Telly Leung, best known for appearances in Aladdin, Allegiance, and In-Transit on Broadway; and, a special guest to be announced at a later date.
  • Episode 5 (June 29): Javier Muñoz, best known for his performances in Hamilton and In the Heights; and, a special guest to be announced at a later date.

Broadway’s Best for Breast Cancer! is endorsed by JCC community partners Sharsheret, The Nia Technique, and The American Cancer Society. It’s just one part of the JCC’s robust array of health and wellness programs for cancer care, all of them free for those in treatment or at risk for breast cancer.

The Broadway’s Best for Breast Cancer! series is promoting the First Virtual Shirley Kohn JCC Spa Day for Women with Breast Cancer on June 28 (learn more information here). People can visit jccmanhattan.org/cancer-care for a complete schedule, course descriptions, and to register.

Categories
Featured Travel

NYC Experiences: Old NYC Glamour Tours

NYC Experiences: Old NYC Glamour Tours

Written by Fernanda Mueller

Photos by Fernanda Mueller

New York is one of the most visited cities in the world (the 7th one, according to Global Destination Cities Index 2019). There are many city tours here, but almost all tour guides will take people to the most famous sights and talk about the things you have already read online. The Old NYC Glamour tour is different from all of these tours – it is a deeper historical experience of the city, especially for those who are interested in New York’s vintage scene.

To get to know a place well, there is nothing better than being guided by natives and Tour Hosts Jenny and Pandora were born and bred in New York City. But that’s not the only reason why they can show you all the hidden spots in the city. They are actresses and performers inspired by the Old Hollywood and Broadway world. 

“We’ve performed together on the same stages, and we’ve always talked about places in New York: where that murder happened, or this glamour star lived… People don’t know about this,” Jenny explains. 

Old NYC Glamour Tour

What you will see on the Old NYC Glamour tour

The experience starts at the Algonquin Hotel, where members of the Round Table, a group of writers, critics, actors, used to meet for several years, starting in 1919. This group was known as “The Vicious Circle.” Another curious fact about the hotel is that the New Yorker magazine was founded there, on the second floor.

Jenny and Pandora take the guests to locations associated with Hollywood and Broadway stars and the New York high society, telling hidden secrets and stories that most people don’t know about Katherine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, among others. It ends at the house where Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, lived. The tour is also interesting for those who love architecture since they show you historical buildings along the way. 

Besides being dressed in vintage clothes, Jenny and Pandora act out scenes from old movies and books to make the experience more real. And there’s even a stop for drinks at the traditional Monkey Bar! For about two and a half hours, you will go back in time and feel inspired by the glamour of New York.

For booking the tour, you can access the Old NYC Glamour Airbnb’s page. The special holiday tour is also available now. 

See More

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Upcoming Event: 10TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SEAPORT

Review: Days Go By, an innovative dance performance at Brookfield Place

Categories
Culture Featured Music

Jimmy And The Band Brings Sex and Motivation To Bowery Electric

By Alice Teeple

Photos by Alice Teeple

Jimmy Dudding
Jimmy Dudding of Jimmy and the Band

The final act of the night at Bowery Electric opens with a Greek chorus, asking the crowd what art means to them. Suddenly two statuesque dancers in mesh shirts and hot pants part the crowd, breaking out in supercharged dancing to Jimmy and The Band’s new single, Sex and Motivation. The audience eats it up. 

Jimmy Dudding, the electrifying frontman for Jimmy and the Band, has been stunning Lower Manhattan crowds with explosive performances at Bowery Electric, Coney Island Baby, Pianos, and City Winery. 

“I love to put together a whole experience,” Dudding said in a phone interview. “A lot of people can’t afford a $150 Broadway ticket, so I like to bring some of that magic to my gigs.” 

A JATB show is more of a rock n’ roll cabaret production than your average bar gig. The band incorporates choreography, acting, headbanging, props, and garish outfits.  The band’s sound takes inspiration from a multitude of sources: Queen, Flaming Lips, Depeche Mode, Lady Gaga, Madonna, NIN, and David Bowie. Although the band still operates on a tight budget and is completely DIY, the experience is always great fun to the audience.

The stage is, quite literally, Jimmy Dudding’s playground; he treats every show like a hyper kid unleashed at recess. He’s already done onstage backflips and improvised belly dancing with an audience member. He will climb on equipment, perch on top of bar stools, and rip off half his clothes onstage. Iggy Pop meets John Cameron Mitchell. 

Jimmy Dudding

The current lineup consists of Dudding, guitarist/vocalist Jackie Lain, bassist Ramon Rodríguez, drummer George Vahamonde, and choreographer Sarah Elaz. The large personnel create a rich rock opera sound onstage; some members have contributed their own songs.

Dudding’s background as a classically trained pianist can be heard in his vivacious keyboard playing. He also studied voice, contemporary dance, and acting, bringing these talents onstage. His magnetic persona stirs up audience members to actively participate in the show. Community continues to be very important to him. 

“I was raised by my grandparents in a nondenominational Christian community. When I came out nine years ago, and faced the subsequent circumstances, I had a lot of soul-searching to do. I found a new home in the local art community. I derive a lot of inspiration from my spirituality, although I do not belong to any organized religion.”

Jimmy Dudding hopes to ramp up the shows’ excitement as they continue, reinvesting the band’s income into live shows and recording. He stresses the importance of supporting and representing the local community in larger venues.

“We see people dancing, shouting, jumping up and down, hugging, kissing, awestruck, filled with joy. We want to inspire children across the globe to identify with their uniqueness, to be leaders of their destiny, to feel loved and spread the love. Of course, it all starts here in New York!”

Indeed it does. The new single, Sex and Motivation, dropped on 20 September. Time to boogie!

Categories
Culture Dining Featured Theater

The Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle is a Seasonal Favorite

The Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle is a Seasonal Favorite

They say pumpkin spice has gone too far. They say it’s overkill. It’s been abused to excess as a predictable orange fad. Hell, I’ve said it too.

Well, forget about them. Forget about past me as well. Clinton Hall’s new Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle is the pumpkin spice offering we deserve this season.

The Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle is part of a three-part series of deserts from The Lure Group, Clinton Hall’s parent company. The series celebrates and promotes three different Broadway shows: The Waitress, Chicago, and Oklahoma!. The Waitress, the first of the series, is the story of a small-town pie-maker dreaming of a life outside of her small marriage in a small town. She copes by making pies themed around her life, like The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie.

I was skeptical when I showed up. I don’t need to repeat my expectations. I’m not sure what I expected it to actually LOOK like, but when I arrived at Clinton Hall I was greeted by a tower of dessert more than a foot and a half tall. It was the kind of pretty that made you feel bad for trying to eat it. A half dozen other reviewers had arrived, but they hadn’t gotten past the “pictures” phase of the meal. I don’t blame them.

Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle

I did my due photographic diligence, but the pumpkin pie was calling to me. With the delicacy of an art restoration specialist, I worked the pie off of the top of the tower. It was exactly what I hoped it would be: a gimmick-free slice of pie supported by graham crackers and marshmallows. Off to a good start. 

Once I’d broken the spell, my table-mates were quick to dig in, bisecting the tower. In the picture, you can see the stacks of cinnamon-flavored waffle and vanilla bean ice cream. None of it was clown-car orange. The waffles worked well with the ice cream and the whole thing was gone in two minutes. It makes you appreciate the inventor of the waffle cone.

Pumpkin Spice WTF Waffle
Check out all of the layers.

If you want to enjoy a little pumpkin spice guilt-free, Clinton Hall’s delicious tower of dessert is the way to go. At $25 it is an expensive dessert for one (though I wouldn’t blame you), but it can easily serve four or more people. The offer only lasts through Tuesday, October 1st, so get it before it melts away. 

Categories
Culture Events Music NYC Theater

Josh Turchin – New York’s Youngest Musical Prodigy

By Olivia Vengel

The month of June is a great time to be a piano in New York City. The Fosun Plaza at 28 Liberty on June 3rd was a hub of vibrant color and music in honor of the unveiling of the fifty Sing for Hope 2019 piano art pieces, and musicians and music-lovers alike attended the event to enjoy and create music.

Downtown spoke with twelve-year-old Joshua Turchin, one of the younger musicians who was sharing his music in the plaza, about his passion for music and musical theatre, and his bright future in the industry.

Image courtesy of the Turchin Family

Turchin is already a star at age twelve; he has performed in two Broadway National Tours, is the host and creator of the Early Night Show cabaret, has written the music, lyrics, and book for his own musical, which debuts in August. His energetic presence as a performer and musician make him stand out from the rest, whether his stage is in a theater or on the bench of a piano in a public plaza.

Downtown: How long have you been playing piano?

Joshua Turchin: I’ve been playing piano since I could first reach the keys, but I officially and professionally started taking lessons when I was four.

DT: Do you play any other instruments?

JT: I actually play eleven other instruments other than piano, all my instruments together are piano, guitar, electric guitar, drums, accordion, harmonica, cajon, ukulele, recorder, banjo and ocarina.

DT: So you mentioned you wrote a musical, what is it about?

JT: It’s about the business, it’s about a girl named Alexandria, a struggling actress…It was just accepted into a theatre festival called the Rave Theater Festival, it’s a brand new theater festival.

Rave Theater Festival

DT: Is it in New York?

JT: It is in New York, it’s from August 9th to the 23rd.

DT: So what brought you to this particular event?

JT: So, I first started working with Sing for Hope when earlier in January at Broadway Con, I stumbled on their piano cause I had a panel there with the band I created, Broadway Kids Jam, and I just started playing it and I introduced myself to Mel, and I’ve been working with them ever since! I sometimes play at Port Authority, and we were invited here, and I came here and I’m like oh my god pianos! It’s incredible.

Joshua Turchin’s personal website is https://www.joshuaturchin.com/, and information about Rave Theater Festival is available at http://ravetheaterfestival.com/. The Perfect Fit debuts on August 11th at 4 pm and runs on August 12th, 18th, 19th, and 23rd. Tickets are available at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35213/production/1012928.