Made in Manhattan: 2014

Friday, September 12, 2014

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Kate Baldwin at 54 Below

(*I wrote this a while ago but have been slammed with my ad internship! Oh well, better "Kate" than never! Yikes that was cheesy....)

Tony Nominated Broadway star Kate Baldwin is truly in a league of her own! On May 15^th, I witnessed Kate Baldwin’s unforgettable performance at Broadway’s supper club, 54 Below. Kate’s solo show titled, “Sing Pretty, Don’t Fall Down,” was inspired by advice that a voice coach had given her during her days as a collegiate at Northwestern University.

The red-headed beauty started the night with her own rendition of Ian Axel’s “Rockstar,” in which she changed the lyrics, “I just wanna be a rockstar” to “I was born to be a Broadway star!” and then somehow changed the lyrics again to “I just want to be Bernadette Peters,” which immediately brought laughter from the crowd. Throughout the show, Baldwin talked about discovering her passion for musical theatre, shared backstage secrets, and entertained the audience members with hilarious stage door stories.

One of the songs that Baldwin sang pretty was, “How are Things in Glocca Morra” from the 2009 Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow (for which she earned a Tony Nomination). Other songs included, “If You Hadn’t, But You Did,” “When Did I Fall in Love?” “Stop Wondering” and the popular Irish drinking song, “Parting Glass” which she sang as a duet with former Giant star and friend, Katie Thompson. Kate Baldwin continued to demonstrate her wide range of expertise, alternating between comedic and serious love songs; many of which had origins in musical theatre. The entire show was an emotional journey for the audience. One minute, we were laughing at Kate’s hilarious jokes and perfectly timed stage actions. The next minute, we were crying and falling in love during her moving, operatic love songs.

My favorite song of the night was “I Don’t Need a Roof” from the short-lived but absolutely stunning Broadway show, Big Fish. I wasn’t sure if I would ever have the privilege to hear that song performed by her live again. Kate describes it as one of the most beautiful songs ever written and I wholeheartedly agree. Especially when the original Sandra Templeton (Kate Baldwin) is singing it. There was not a dry eye in the entire club when she sang the last note.

After reading this article, there should be no question on who my favorite Broadway star is. Kate Baldwin is one of the most talented leading ladies currently performing on the Great White Way. Her personality shines and her vocal range is unmatched. After the concert I was fortunate enough to talk to Kate. She couldn’t have been any nicer. We talked about Big Fish, Twitter, and she asked what my summer plans were. An advertising internship and Broadway I responded. It is so rare that a star of her stature would take the time post-show to make an admiring fan feel very special. It was my 20^th birthday weekend and these tickets were a gift from my parents. Upon hearing this, she immediately threw down her celebratory glass of champagne and posed for a picture with me. We talked a little longer and then, not wanting to take up anymore of her time, we said goodbye.

Kate Baldwin exemplifies what Broadway is and always should be. She is talent. She is beauty. She is poise. She is humor. She inspires. She is the Broadway star that Broadway dreamers like me aspire to be like. It isn’t just her beauty that attracts theatre-goers, but her overwhelming talent and incredible personality. Her humor and grace is unparalleled. I have no doubt that Kate Baldwin’s next project will transform her from a Tony nominee to the proud owner of a Tony statuette.

What a role model!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

My All Time Favorite... Big Fish the Musical

Words can not describe the emotional triumph that is Big Fish the Musical. Based on the 1998 Novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film both of the same name, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman, adoring husband, distant father, and imaginative story teller.

The musical revolves around Edward Bloom’s life and more specifically his relationship with his son, Will, and his wife, Sandra. Big Fish was directed and choreographed by the legendary Susan Stroman, it features beautiful music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a brilliant book by Jon August. The star-studded cast features leading actors such as two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz as Edward Bloom, Tony nominee Kate Baldwin as Sandra Bloom, and Bobby Steggert as Will Bloom. The cast also features Krystal Joy Brown, Brad Oscar, and Ryan Andes.

I went into this show with very few expectations. I make a point to never read reviews before I see a show because I like to form my own opinions on each production. I knew the story line from the 2003 movie but other than that I had no idea what to assume. As soon as the curtain rose my energy level went way up. The excitement of the first number immediately grabs the audience and they realize that they are in for a wild, beautiful, and truly inspiring ride.

One of the many things that sets this show apart from other musicals is that the story shifts back and forth between multiple timelines. One being present-day, where Edward Bloom (in his late 50s) faces death and wants to preserve his legacy by connecting with his now grown son who is expecting a child of his own. The two have never seen eye to eye. Edward is a dreamer with an imagination that carries the show through a series of twists and turns. His son, Will, is just the opposite. He has a more realistic outlook on life and feels that his father’s tall tales have been a wall for him to hide behind rather than face life head on. Loving mother and wife, Sandra, feels trapped between the two and sings the beautiful song, “Two Men in My Life” to express her love and adoration for her husband and only son. The show also briefly shows Sandra and Edward as young parents raising their 10 year old son. Young Will seems more entertained by his father’s stories but is starting to question the lack of reasoning behind each story. The other timeline shows Edward and Sandra as teenagers who see each other at a circus (“Time Stops”). When time finally catches up Sandra has left and Edward continues at the circus, working for the ringmaster Amos, his only pay being information about Sandra Templeton. After three years, he finally learns who Sandra is and takes a cannonball ride to Auburn University. He confesses his love for her and in a field of daffodils that suddenly fills the stage they share in a passionate kiss and promise each other a lifetime together. (“Daffodils”)

The way the show shifts between these many different timelines and challenging life stages proves just how complex and magical this show is. Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin certainly had the most difficult jobs of any actor on Broadway having to take their characters from 16 to 30 to 50 years old in a matter of scenes.

My favorite two scenes both included leading lady Kate Baldwin and Norbert Leo Butz. The first being at the end of Act I when Edward has journeyed to Auburn University to proclaim his love for Sandra. The way the stage transforms around their love song, “Daffodils” is nothing short of magic. The other scene I loved was close to the end of Act II when Edward is tying to prepare Sandra for when he is no longer around. Edward is weak so she carries him center stage and they both collapse in each other’s embrace. Sandra continues to serenade him with what I consider to be the most beautiful song ever sung by anyone, “I Don’t Need a Roof.” This song alone should have earned Kate Baldwin a Tony nomination. I consider this scene to be one of the most stunning and inspiring scenes ever presented on a Broadway stage.

Big Fish had its “try-out” period in Chicago in the Spring of 2013 before it moved to the Neil Simon Theatre on West 52^nd Street. The show started its Broadway previews on September 5^th, 2013 and officially opened on October 6^th, 2013. Unfortunately, this amazing musical closed on December 29^th, 2013 after 34 previews and 98 performances. I have talked to so many people, many who saw the musical multiple times, who had only positive things to say about this beautiful show. I was fortunate enough to see it twice and both times I was equally entertained by the actors, overcome with laughter, and even brought to tears. This is a show that inspires lovers and dreamers alike and it broke many hearts when it closed so early. I consider Big Fish to be the best musical that I have ever seen on Broadway! It exemplifies what Broadway should be… a magical and inspiring journey.

(from top left: Big Fish Cast Album, Kate Baldwin, my friends, Norbert Leo Butz, my friends, marquee, stage pre-show, Kate Baldwin ad, Neil Simon Theatre, my friend Daniel and I before seeing it for the first time!)

Monday, June 23, 2014

My Regards for Broadway

We have all heard the tune, "Give My Regards to Broadway" from George M. Cohan's 1904 musical play, Little Johnny Jones. Well this page represents my own regards for Broadway. As a college student living and attending school in New York City I am lucky enough to get to witness the magic of Broadway on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. My Major is Advertising with a double Minor in Marketing and Theatre. I hope to one day combine my two passions and Advertise and Market for the Great White Way. Until then I will settle for admiring the talent of the Broadway stars, freezing my butt off standing in line for student rush tickets, and eagerly rising out of my seat to applaud the talented performers at the end of each show. Although my bank account suffers... I enjoy every single aspect and element that goes into this amazing industry. It is the combination of these elements that makes a 20 year old Broadway Fanatic like me continue to believe in magic.

Here is a list of my favorite Broadway Shows (in order):

*Currently playing on Broadway. Click the link for ticket information!