All Entries in the "Supporting Cast" Category
The Addams Family Musical An Entertaining Afternoon of Theatre
Catherine (me) and Rick Elice
Last weekend was a whirlwind of friends, parties, and great Broadway entertainment! AND I was able to spend some time with my favorite Broadway writer, Rick Elice. Rick is that rare breed of celebrity who is unassuming, humble and completely genuine. He is such a pleasure to know – one would never guess he has two of the top 10 shows currently running on Broadway.
While Saturday was all about Jersey Boys, Sunday was reserved for The Addams Family. I had second row center seats for the matinee – up close and personal - and I was a little bit nervous. There have been mixed reviews, not only from the critics, but from a few of the readers here on the blog, and I didn’t want to go in with any preconceptions about the show. So, I went in with an open mind, and I had a blast!
From the opening number “When You’re An Addams”, to the final curtain, I had a smile on my face and a laugh in my throat. I don’t want to get into a scene by scene analysis – that’s been done to death. I just want to share my thoughts.
Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth were wonderful as Gomez and Morticia, two parents facing what all parents face when they realize that their baby is all grown up and about to leave the nest. Of course, not all parents face it in quite the same way! Bebe was gorgeous! Her flawless skin and deadpan expression were classic Morticia. She danced beautifully, and her “Just Around The Corner” was one of my favorite numbers. Nathan definitely lived up to the hype. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he had the audience in stitches.
Kevin Chamberlin was hilarious as the “moonstruck” Uncle Fester. He really got into his oddball personae, and the audience loved him.
Jackie Hoffman as Grandma was as hysterical as everyone says. Although her role was small, she made the most of each and every line, leaving the audience doubled over in laughter. At one point during “dinner”, she was obviously ad-libbing, talking about running the mara…mara…mara..thon (NY marathon was run that day), and the cast was laughing so hard, Bebe actually had to lay her head on the table so the audience wouldn’t see. Of course, being in the second row, I could see her head shaking!
As the tormented young couple, Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke, Krysta Rodriguez and Wesley Taylor were fantastic. They portrayed just the right amount of teenage angst, mixed with a craziness that comes with young love. Krysta’s voice was crystal clear, with a bit of a rock edge to it, and Wesley was a perfect accompaniment. Their “Crazier Than You” was another of my favorites. I’ll be keeping an eye on their careers, I’m betting they go far.
Carollee Carmello and Terrence Mann played Alice and Mal Beineke, Lucas’s “normal” parents from Ohio. If that’s normal, I’d hate to see odd. She with her bright yellow dress and rhyming speech, and he with his tough-guy “I won’t be pushed around” act (until I meet the right squid), were very entertaining, and they played the roles to perfection.
As Lurch, the mostly silent butler, Zachary James was brilliant. And Adam Riegler was terrific as Pugsley. He had a fantastic voice for such a young age, and was very enjoyable to watch. His sadness at realizing his sister was growing up and wouldn’t be around to “play” with him much longer was very touching.
And last, but certainly by no means least, the Ancestors were all superb. Each one had his/her own personality, they danced beautifully, and the way they were utilized onstage was ingenious.
On the top of my list of ”high points” has to be the set design. Congratulations to Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott for a tremendous job! Basil Twist’s puppetry was also spectacular, adding a layer of creativity not seen in many shows. And, as usual, Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman wrote a great story, with a perfect mix of humor, seriousness, and Charles Addams absurdity.
“Just Around The Corner” and ”Crazier Than You” were my favorite musical numbers, with “When You’re An Addams” and the tango scene following close behind. Gomez had two ballady numbers that dragged a bit (for me), but Nathan performed them beautifully. And Uncle Fester and the moon, and Mal Beineke and the squid were a bit over the top, but hey, this is the Addams Family - they are over the top!
Please bear with me while I vent….I know this is a family friendly show, and yes, they sell candy at the concession stand, but people, this is a high dollar Broadway show, not a movie theater. Please have the courtesy to NOT open loud candy wrappers, slurp noisily on lollipops, or rifle through your shopping bags in the middle of the performance (yes, I experienced all of this within two rows of me, and the perpetrators were all adults.) This is not only rude to your fellow audience members, but most especially to the cast.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the entire Addams Family ‘family’ for an exciting and entertaining afternoon of theatre!
Broadway on “The Apprentice” including The Addams Family’s Alena Watters
The Thursday, October 28 episode of NBC’s “The Apprentice” will have the show’s contestants being given the challenge of holding a backers audition for two new Broadway musicals on stage at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, which currently houses the Tony Award-winning musical, Memphis.
The musicals to be presented will be Ryan Scott Oliver and B.T. Ryback’s Darling, sung by Alex Brightman, Lindsay Mendez, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Lindsay Northen, Alena Watters, and Nick Blaemire; and Kirstin Guenther’s Little Miss Fix- t, sung by Sam Tedaldi, Preston Sadleir, Farah Alvin, Stephen Bogardus, Jason Michael Snow, and Haviland Stillwell.
Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth and producer Daryl Roth will serve as judges, along with the television program’s executive producer and host Donald Trump and Memphis producer John Yonove.
Alena Watters is Ready to Rock
Alena Watters may play dead on Broadway (Ancestor in The Addams Family) , but come November 8, you can find her very much alive and ROCKIN at Rockers on Broadway’s Dance Party at BB King Blues Club.
I asked Alena how she came to be a part of this year’s program, and here is her response:
I’m excited to be a part of this year’s Rockers on Broadway! I’ve worked with Donnie Kehr a couple of times over the past few years, and he asked me if I would be a part of this wonderful night of rockin’ out to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This is a cause near & dear to my heart, so I, of course, said yes! This will be my first experience with the event and it will be great to be among friends in the business for a night of fun. I will be a featured player during the evening, and excited and honored that I’ll share a stage packed with a ton of talent and vibrant energy to share- I hope people will come out to support the cause & join in the fun!
Of her role in The Addams Family musical, Alena has this to share:
I’m having a blast with the ‘Family’ living the death that is my saloon girl Ancestor, also known backstage as, ‘Bernadita Azura Addams’. (Bernadita was my given name from our Chicago production, and once our costumes were redesigned, Bebe named me ‘Azura’…or Azhura, not sure how she chooses to spell it). Each night the excitement from the audience fuels me to give it my all to rock out our dancing & singing on the big Broadway stage. I look forward to sharing all that energy in another way, with a new audience at B.B. Kings on the 8th! Come ready to rock & dance the night away!!!
Thank you so much, Alena, for sharing your thoughts with us, and we wish you continued success on Broadway!
For more info on Rockers on Broadway, click here.
Un-Happy Hour with The Addams Family
This sounds like fun!!
Un-Happy Hour with the Addams Family Cast
| When | Wed, October 20,6:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Village Pourhouse, Restaurant Row |
| Admission | Ticketed Event |
| Description |
Who: Join Krysta Rodriguez (Wednesday Addams) and other cast members for 2 for 1 Pugsley Rum Punch, Jim Beam “Black” and Cokes and “Black” and Blue Beer Cocktails until 7:30pm The first 25 people to RSVP will receive a Free Pugsley Rum Punch What: Bring your ticket stub from THE ADDAMS FAMILY any Wednesday for 15% off your bar tab and make sure you ask for the limited edition $19.95 Pre-Show ADDAMS FAMILY Menu that includes a Complimentary Pugsley Punch (non-alcoholic version available) Where: Village Pourhouse Restaurant Row 366 West 46th St RSVP: Emily@Yourpartyplanning.com When: 6PM – 730PM
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| Website | (click here) |
Rockers On Broadway – Dance Party at BB King Blues Club
The PATH Fund and The Frye Company Present: ROCKERS ON BROADWAY-Dance Party
Broadway stars and Rock stars will join the audience to dance the night away when Rockers on Broadway returns to BB King Blues Club on Monday, November 8th at 8pm.
The latest edition of ROCKERS ON BROADWAY returns to BB King’s for another great evening of music but this time with a twist–they’ve cleared the dance floor so the audience can rock out to their favorite dance hits. Directed by Donnie Kehr, ROCKERS ON BROADWAY–Dance Party features some of the hottest dance tunes from Elvis to GaGa, performed by Broadway stars and the Rock stars who made them famous. The concert will benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Dreams Foundation, Broadway in South Africa, and The Bendheim Performing Arts Center Scholarship Fund.
Starring:
Chris Barron from Spin Doctors; Randy Jones from The Village People; Fred Schneider from The B52s, and Sirius Radio Star “Cousin Brucie” Morrow. Plus, Tony Award Winners Alice Ripley (Next to Normal) and Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Rent) and Tony Nominees Chad Kimball (Memphis) & Daphne Rubin Vega (Rent, Anna in the Tropics).
Featuring From Broadway:
Kathy Brier (Hairspray, TV’s Boardwalk Empire), Tituss Burgess (Guys & Dolls, Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys), Ben Cameron (Wicked, Aida), Te’Rea Campbell (Lion King), Jessica Dillan (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Anika Ellis (The Color Purple), Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer), John Arthur Greene (West Side Story), Steve Gouveia (Jersey Boys), Emma Hunton (Next to Normal, Spring Awakening), Adam Kantor (Rent), Donnie Kehr (Billy Elliot, Jersey Boys), James Kinney (Sweet Charity), Jeremy Kushiner (Jersey Boys, Footloose, Rent), Jay Leslie (rock group The Tokens), Ian Liberto (Promises, Promises). Michael Longoria (Jersey Boys), Alex Nordin, Jermaine R. Rembert (Memphis), Sara Schmidt (Jersey Boys), Jeremy Schonfeld (Clear Blue Tuesday, Drift), Nikki Snelson (Legally Blonde), Wendi Stoltzfus, Doug Storm (Dance of the Vampires) Alena Watters (The Addams Family), Tommar Wilson (Hair).
Rockers on Broadway, now in its 17th year, was founded by Donnie Kehr while appearing in the Broadway run of The Who’s Tommy and was inspired by Pete Townshend, who wanted the play’s performers to experience the feeling of singing with a rock band in a concert style venue, and to transfer the rawness of that edge to the stage.
“Ambassador” Riegler Reigns Over “Kid’s Night on Broadway”
Addams Family’s Adam Riegler Will Be Kids’ Night on Broadway’s National Ambassador
By Andrew Gans
06 Oct 2010
The Broadway League announced Oct. 6 that Adam Riegler, who plays Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family, will serve as the National Ambassador for Kids’ Night on Broadway’s special Halloween edition, which is presented with the support of Playbill.
This special edition of Kids’ Night will salute UNICEF and the 60th anniversary of its Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program.
In a statement Riegler said, “I am honored to be the Ambassador for this special Halloween Kids’ Night on Broadway. Halloween is one of the greatest days of the year for kids, and Broadway is great for kids every day of the year! We’re asking kids to come dressed in costume as their favorite Broadway characters, and I can’t wait to look out at the audience to see all of the Pugsleys!”
Kids’ Night is scheduled for Oct. 31 in Manhattan. A pre-theatre Halloween party will kick off the celebration at 11 AM at Madame Tussauds New York. KNOB ticket holders will experience unique theatre activities as well as the famous attraction for free. To celebrate Halloween, there will be festive Broadway costume events, stage door trick-or-treating and more. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Broadway characters.
Click here to read article.
Nathan Lane and Kevin Chamberlin Eyeing New Roles?
NATHAN LANE MAY PLAY ‘THE NANCE’
By PATRICK HEALY, The NY Times Art Beat
October 5, 2010, 11:00 am
What’s next for Nathan Lane, after his Broadway run in “The Addams Family” ends in the spring? Mr. Lane is considering Douglas Carter Beane’s new play, “The Nance,” about a performer who played the role of the nance in burlesque shows in the early-20th century.
Nance, or nancy boy, is disparaging slang for an effeminate or homosexual man, and nances were popular theatrical figures, akin to blackface performers, during the 1920s and ’30s. Mr. Beane, in a telephone interview, said he held a reading of the play in his living room about a month ago with Mr. Lane, Benjamin Walker (“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (“Rent”) and Kevin Chamberlin (“The Addams Family”), and that he was hoping to do a reading guided by a director at Lincoln Center Theater this season.
“Nathan is certainly interested, and was excited about the role,” said Mr. Beane, a Tony Award nominee for “The Little Dog Laughed” whose plays also include “Mr. & Mrs. Fitch” and “As Bees in Honey Drown.” “I’m hopeful. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, in a weird way, considering it’s my first real period piece.”
Andre Bishop, artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater, said he was “very interested in producing ‘The Nance’ but nothing is firmed up yet in terms of where and when.” He added that Mr. Lane was interested in portraying the main character, who plays the nance in shows at the Irving, a downtown theater, during the era when Mayor Fiorello La Guardia was moving to ban burlesque in New York City.
Asked what about “The Nance” interested him, Mr. Bishop said: “The play has lots of hilarious old routines in it with lots of innuendo and double-entendres. But the play is also painful, as times and moral judgments changed. I think it is wonderful.”
Mr. Lane did not reply to two days of inquiries relayed by his publicist, Simon Halls. But Mr. Halls confirmed that Mr. Lane “loves the play and is excited by the prospect of doing it.”
Rachel de Benedet, Terrence Mann Cast In NAMT Musicals
Rachel de Benedet
I was excited to read the casting announcement for NAMT’s Festival of New Musicals, which will be presented in Manhattan this October, for not only does it include two of our own Addams Family members, but also one of my favorite performers, Christian Hoff.
Christian Hoff
Terrence Mann
The National Alliance for Musical Theatre presents the annual festival for industry members, which showcases eight new musicals in 45-minute staged readings. A host of Broadway veterans populate the presentations that will be offered Oct. 21-22. For more information, and complete casting, visit NAMT.
Merwin Foard Featured On New Christmas Carol Recording
Two of my Broadway favorites, Merwin Foard and Daniel Reichard, can be heard together on new ‘Christmas Carol’ recording!
Foard at "The Little Mermaid" Opening Night
Reichard at "The Addams Family" Opening Night
Daniel Reichard (Jersey Boys) as Fred and Ghost of Christmas Past, and Sean Palmer as Young Scrooge.
A Christmas Carol–The Concert features music by Bob Christianson and lyrics and a book adaptation by Alisa Hauser.
Colin Cunliffe Works With Broadway Workshop Campers
In the “city that never sleeps,” it seems Broadway performers never rest. Take for example Colin Cunliffe (pictured below), whose duties with The Addams Family musical include Swing, Puppet Performance Captain, Assistant Dance Captain, and Understudy for Lucas Beineke. In his spare time, Colin recently took the opportunity to share his Broadway knowledge with musical theatre-loving children from all over the United States who had come to New York City this past August for the Broadway Workshop’s Camp NY. It’s people like Colin, who share their time and talents with others, that make Broadway the great “community” it is.
photo from broadwayworld.com
Zachary James Brings Hit Solo Show to Birdland
Broadway’s Zachary James (Lurch in The Addams Family) brings his hit solo show IMBÉCILE D’AMOUR to Birdland as part of Jim Caruso’s BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND series.
Zachary James in IMBÉCILE D’AMOUR
Monday, October 18 at 7pm
Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
$25 cover, $10 food/drink minimum
212-581-3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Carolee Carmello Plays A Little Cue & A With Playbill.com
Carolee Carmello, Photo by Joseph Marzullo, WENN
PLAYBILL.COM’S CUE & A: The Addams Family’s Carolee Carmello
By Matthew Blank
07 Sep 2010
Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello, currently appearing on Broadway in The Addams Family, fills out Playbill.com’s questionnaire with random facts, backstage trivia and pop-culture tidbits.
Carmello has appeared on Broadway as Donna in Mamma Mia!, Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown, Kate in Kiss Me, Kate, Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Abigail in 1776, Oolie in City of Angels, Cordelia in Falsettos, Gabrielle in Lestat and Lucille Frank in Parade, earning Tony nominations for the latter two roles.
Carmello’s screen credits include episodes of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Frasier,” “Ed” and “Remember W.E.N.N.” She can be heard on numerous cast albums and compilations. Visit caroleecarmello.com.
Full given name: Carolee Ann Carmello
Hometown: Albany, New York (The capital of our Empire State!)
Zodiac Sign: Virgo (Perfectionist? Yes! Laid-back? Not so much.)
Audition song/monologue: In the olde days, I used to sing the last verse of “Golden Rainbow” (from the show of the same name) because it ended with a belted E flat. Back then I figured the loudest girl got the job… I guess I haven’t changed much.
Special Skills: I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a… well, I can order take-out.
First Broadway or West End show ever saw: Ain’t Misbehavin’. I guess I’ll never be able to do a revival for old time’s sake.
If you could go back in time and catch any Broadway show, what would it be? I’m such a huge fan of Judy Holliday. I would love to see her do Bells Are Ringing, one of my very favorite shows. I can’t promise I wouldn’t steal some of her bits.
Current show you have been recommending to friends: I hear that Addams Family got great reviews!
Favorite show tune: Showtunes are for nerds, aren’t they?
MAC or PC? I’ve finally submitted to the Mac Overlord… but I went kicking and screaming.
Most played song on your iPod: I hardly ever listen to music on my iPod or in the car. I listen to audio books or podcasts. Mostly public radio shows like “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” and “Stuff You Should Know.” Talk about nerdy!
Web obsession: OMG! Scrabble! I play it every day!
Last book you read: “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson
Must-see TV show: I don’t often get control of the remote in my house, so I watch a lot of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.
Last movie you saw: “The Karate Kid.” See above explanation.
Pop culture guilty pleasure: I did watch a couple of episodes of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” hoping to see some of my neighbors.
First CD/Tape/LP you owned: When I was about 10, I used to dance around with my girlfriend, Kitty (a person, not a stuffed toy) in her basement and sing to the cast recording of Godspell.
Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: I never did theatre as a kid, but I do remember a pivotal moment in grade school. I was supposed to sing this trio in the Christmas concert with two other little girls. On the day of the concert, they were both out. The teacher asked if I wanted to cut the song or do it alone. I decided to do it, and although I messed up a few lyrics, I felt more power in that moment than I had ever felt in all my 7 years.
Favorite post-show meal: Cereal with cold milk is my reward for getting through a long day at the “office.” I’m salivating now just thinking about it.
Worst costume ever: I had this beautiful dress in Kiss Me, Kate that I wore for a little scene where I literally crossed from one side of the stage to the other. It was a complete change including jewelry, hat, shoes, hose, bra… I spent more time getting it on and off than I did wearing it onstage!
Who would play you in the movie? Betty White! She’s totally hot right now!
Worst job you ever had: Perfume sprayer in Macy’s Herald Square. People hate you and they let you know about it!
“I’ll never understand why…” …cellulite was invented! Why! Why! Why!
A Glimpse Into A (Two Performance) Day In The Life of Zachary James
from Playbill.com, PHOTO EXCLUSIVE…
By Matthew Blank
24 Aug 2010
Zachary James, The Addams Family’s butler Lurch, armed with a digital camera, offers a glimpse into a (two performance) day in the life of a Broadway performer, from morning wake-up to final curtain.
Placing the cursor over a picture will pause it, and reveal the caption.
Thank you, Playbill.com, and Mr. James, for these great pics!
Jonas Brothers Visit The Addams Family
Nick and Kevin Jonas, along with little brother Frankie, visited another famous family this week – The Addams Family!
For more pics, visit broadway.com.
