Give me down to there – HAIR!

Give me down to there – HAIR!

A review of
Peregrine Theatre Ensemble’s
production of

I first fell in love with “HAIR the Musical” (with its famous nude scene) when I saw it at the Aquarius Theater in Los Angeles about 6 months after the Broadway production opened – I was 13, recently Bar-Mitzvahed, but looking so much older that no one stopped me from going in to see it.

Over the years I have seen many a production of “HAIR” – including that weird film version – and most recently the last Broadway revival (twice) and so I consider myself a bit of a #HAIRMAVEN.

Peregrine Theatre’s production of “HAIR the Musical”, now playing thru September 7th 2018 at FISHERMEN HALL (inside Provincetown High School) is one of it’s finest shows to date.

This productions stars a group of unknowns (listed below) who mingle with the audience before the show and during intermission while managing to stay in character as the 60’s hippies they portray.

Director/Choreographer Kyle Pleasant has molded his actors into a ‘Tribe’ rather than a cast which is evident as they move about the audience introducing themselves and being the flower children that their roles portray. Using choreography that feels more organic and spontaneous than rehearsed the piece flows seamlessly from song to song.

Being more of a musical journey than stage musical has always been one of “HAIR’s” greatest distinctions. This 50th Anniversary version’s Musical Director, Matthew Hougland has proved that with musical numbers that evoke the feelings of the 60’s (I was there!) which was an era of free love, psychedelic drugs, rock & roll, draft dodging, draft card burning, and an anti-war/anti government sentiment not dissimilar to today’s politically charged times.

“HAIR’s” cast is the aforementioned group that Peregrine’s creative’s have brought in to be the tribe. Each and every one of the principle cast members shine in their performances as does the Ensemble.

In addition, Gifford Williams’ Lighting Design, Chad Hayduk’s Makeup Design, and Carol Sherry’s Wig Design, are all quite professional and impressive

My only criticisms are technical in nature; Christopher Heilman’s sets are a bit too High School musical for my taste, and the auditorium’s sound system is in desperate need of an upgrade (I am told that this coming year will bring some improvements – donors take note!).

So, dress in your hippie finest, don your peace symbols, put on a flowered hairband, and go see Peregrine Theatre Ensemble’s production of “HAIR the Musical”. It’s as fine as entertainment gets.

HAIR
Book and lyrics by James Rado & Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot
DIRECTED BY: KYLE PLEASANT
​Musical Direction: Matthew Hougland
July 10th  – Sep. 7th 2018
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
PURCHASE TICKETS

Director/Choreographer Kyle Pleasant
Musical Director Matthew Hougland

CAST

Claude Kevin Lagasse
Berger Jeffrey Kelly
Shelia Daisy Layman
Dionne Rhetta Mykeal
Jennie Lexi Tobin
Chrissy Rebecca Zeller
Hud Nigel Richards
Woof Brendan Williamson

Featuring

Melissa Zeller
Michael Whitty*
Carly Cherone
Alexander Tan
Landon Ebuna
Kelly Hooper
LeVane Harrington
Meridien Terrell*
Julia Solecki

*Dance Captain

The Production team includes: Christopher Heilman Scenic Design; Seth Bodie Costume Design; Gifford Williams Lighting Design; Chad Hayduk Makeup Design; Carol Sherry Wig Design; Brenna Hull Production Stage Manager; Molly Rocca Assistant Stage Manager; Alyssa Krinsky Intern & Social Media; Dusty Cohen Intern & Prop Master; Chanthoeun Hart Varon-Collins Intern and assistant to productionPatron Saint of Peregrine and front of house Carolyn Collins; Artistic Director Ben Berry; Executive Director Adam Berry

An Interview with the one & only Leslie Jordan – (our 1st Phone Interview)

Tuesday, July 7th I got the privilege to have an amazing phone conversation with
the one and only LESLIE JORDAN.

You know him from Will & Grace, REBA, The Help and a list too long for this page.

We’ve put in some great pictures so you’ll have something to watch along with the audio!
Let me know how you like this format and we’ll try to have more!

Click and enjoy, LESLIE JORDAN!

For Tickets and more info visit:
LESLIE JORDAN AT THE CROWN & ANCHOR

More about Leslie:
FACEBOOK
Official Web Page
IMdB

PRESS RELEASE: Leslie Jordan to appear at the legendary CROWN & ANCHOR in PTown July 13-14

Leslie Jordan to appear at the legendary
Paramount Theatre
at the
CROWN & ANCHOR
in Provincetown, MA
July 13-14
Two Shows Only!

The Cape is about to experience it’s very own special “night at the races” as one of American pop culture’s most recognizable, enduring (and endearing) personalities rides back into town. In LJ, Back By Popular Demand, the diminutive, delightful Deep South dynamo saddles up for an evening of horse feathers hilarity with his new show.As always, he remains characteristically frank, charming, self–effacing and real. Jordan’s career has effectively redefined the standard for “celebrity”, and he remains the consummate professional. By staying the course, he realized his goals against all odds.

Leslie Jordan Show PosterLeslie Jordan has a track record that’s fairly astonishing, upon closer glance. His is one of those consistently recognizable faces in popular entertainment. Yet, often, you’re not quite sure where you know him from! His perpetually mobile “amazing race” towards stardom has provided one of the more unusual, yet impressive and varied career trajectories of the past few decades. His arrival in Hollywood back in 1982 (with $1500 sewn into his clothing by his steel magnolia Mother) was the starting gate. There’s notable irony in the fact that Jordan actually had a brief career as a jockey. He trots the audience around the track of his career; the highlights, the bumps in the road, the big breaks, the acclaim, the dangers of being type cast or stereotyped; the victory laps and the ever present concern about being put out to pasture by a youth obsessed culture and profession. By show’s end, audiences clearly realize they’re not listening to -nor seeing- just another “one trick pony”. Jordan’s antics, quirks, observations, and, most significantly, his ability to take it all in stride, puts him in the winner’s circle with each performance! The prestigious Emmy Award winner in 2006 for “WILL & GRACE”, Leslie Jordan has received rapturous reviews for his original stage plays (“MY TRIP DOWN THE PINK CARPET”, “STORIES I CAN’T TELL MAMA”, “FRUIT FLY”), supporting presence in one of Hollywood’s most prestigious, message-minded films of the last decade (“THE HELP”, 2012), and was singled out with great notices for his off-Broadway musical theatre debut in 2011 (“THE LUCKY GUY”). His defining role as “BROTHER BOY” in the cult film classic “SORDID LIVES” evolved into a well received prequel on the LOGO Channel. As the celebrated author and star of his own HBO Special (“Pink Carpet”); Leslie Jordan is consistently sought after as a Guest Star on every imaginable form of episodic, comic television (TV Land’s “THE EX’ES”, Fox’s “RAISING HOPE”, Disney Channel’s “SHAKE IT UP!” ABC’s “THE NEIGHBORS”). He has conquered the international stage scene with sold out runs in Mexico, Canada and the U.K., and remains an in-demand mainstay as a stage/tv/film performer, voice-over artist, fund raiser, spokesperson, out artist, equal rights activist and all around Southern Baptist celebutante.
The absurdity of it all and yet, his absolute willingness to prove “nay sayers” wrong by doing WHATEVER it takes to keep him out of the proverbial Glue Factory, Leslie Jordan IS…“LJ, Back By Popular Demand”!!!

Don’t miss the fun, when Jordan returns to play Provincetown’s popular Paramount Theatre at the legendary CROWN & ANCHOR. Located in the heart of Provincetown at 247 Commercial St., the show is set for a two (2) night exclusive engagement Monday July 13th and Tuesday, July 14th 2015.

Showtime is 8:00 P.M.

Tickets are currently available by visiting www.onlyatthecrown.

http://thelesliejordan.com/site/

Date                         Name                    Description
7/13/15 8:00 pm Leslie Jordan     2 Nights Only
7/14/15 8:00 pm Leslie Jordan     2 Nights Only

An Interview with: Bruce Vilanch in PTown

While on vacation in PTown this summer www.BroadwayKingdom.com had the pleasure to sit down at Curio Coffee with the most famous person you NEVER heard of!

Bruce Vilanch is best know for his stint on Hollywood Squares but you’ve known him for YEARS and didn’t even realize it!

Watch the video and be in awe of an amazing career in front of and in back of the spotlight!

Special thanks to Craig Austin Hoffmeyer for arranging this.

A Video Interview with WELL-STRUNG

Broadway Kingdom never rests! While on vacation in Provincetown, MA we got the opportunity to go see WELL-STRUNG a singing string quartet perform at the ART HOUSE
The next day the boys sat down with me for this great interview.

After the interview please take some time to watch their latest music video!

Make sure to change the settings to 1080p and watch full screen for best viewing!
Enjoy!

Here’s the Music Video:
Make sure to change the settings to 1080p and watch full screen for best viewing!


For more info on Well-Strung go to www.well-strung.com
To make reservations to see them in Provincetown go to:
http://www.ptownarthouse.com/ticketing/well-strung

A Video Interview with Kate Clinton in PTown!

Broadway Kingdom never rests! While on vacation in Provincetown, MA we got the opportunity to go see Kate Clinton perform at the Crown & Anchor Cabaret.
The next day Kate came to our Hotel, the Boatslip Resort and sat down with me for this amazing and very funny interview.
Enjoy!

Be sure to check out Kate’s site www.kateclinton.com
and follow her at twitter.com/kateclinton

REVIEW: WELL-STRUNG at the ART HOUSE, Provincetown MA Aug 20, 2013

REVIEW: WELL-STRUNG at the ART HOUSE, Provincetown MA 7:30pm August 20, 2013

It has been said that the era of the boy band is well past its prime and while that well may be so the newest boy band to hit the scene completely breaks the mold.

WELL-STRUNG, a modern take on neoclassical music, now playing to packed houses at the Art House in Provincetown Massachusetts, may well
redefine what a boy band is.

51arUUnFT7L._SY300_ The strikingly handsome string quartet is made up of Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Christopher Marchant (second violin), Trevor Wadleigh (viola) and Daniel Shevlin (cello). But don’t let their good looks, muscles and boyish smiles fool you. These young men are exceptionally talented, well rehearsed professionals, devoted to performing beautiful music.

WELL-STRUNG is brilliantly directed by Donna Drake who daringly defies tradition with a non-traditional String Quartet staging. The audience is treated to thrilling new musical arrangements by David Levinson who gives us imaginative and creative semi-classical versions of current pop songs woven seamlessly into the immortal classics. Combine that with stirring stories of each young man’s journey and how they got here, we almost feel gypped that the show runs a mere 55 minutes, it most definitely could have been at least 90.

These are some extremely talented young men, I urge you to rush out and see them as soon as you can. You won’t be sorry.

Please look in the VIDEO INTERVIEWS SECTION for an upcoming live interview!

Written by Donna Drake, Mark Cortale. Additional Material written by Jeffery Roberson. Arrangements by David Levinson. Additional arrangements by Daniel Shevlin & Christopher Marchant.

WELL-STRUNG is now extended thru September 12, 2013 at 7:30 PM
The Art House
214 Commercial
Provincetown, MA 02657
CLICK HERE for tickets

For more info:
www.well-strung.com
https://www.facebook.com/wellstrungnyc
https://twitter.com/wellstrungnyc
*****************************************************************************
The evening’s set list was:

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART – Serenade in G Major aka A Little Night Music,
1st Movement
Mash-up with: KELLY CLARKSON – Since You Been Gone

BRITTNEY SPEARS – Toxic

THIRD EYE BLIND – SEMI-CHARMED LIFE

TAYLOR SWIFT- WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER

JESSIE J. – WHO YOU ARE

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH – Prelude from Cello Suite #1

CARLOS GARDEL – TANGO

PINK – Just Give Me A Reason

Antonín Leopold Dvořák – American Quartet, 4th Movement

LADY GAGA – Edge of Glory

KESHA – Your Love Is My Drug

VIVALDI – Summer – The Four Seasons
David Guetta’s Titanium mash-up with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin

*****************************************************************************************
Mark Cortale is the Producing Artistic Director of The Art House. In his inaugural season in 2011, he founded the Broadway @ The Art House series with Seth Rudetsky, which this summer of 2013 will present Broadway superstars Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, Megan Hilty (of TV’s “Smash”), Megan Mullally (of TV’s “Will & Grace”), Christine Ebersole, Joanna Gleason, Sam Harris and Marilyn Maye in addition to other national-level music and comedy programming. He is currently producing Seth Rudetsky’s new reality series and other Broadway-themed entertainment that can be seen at www.SethTV.com. He also co-wrote and produced Well-Strung’s runs this past winter and fall at New York’s Marjorie S. Deane Theater. Mark produced the feature film “Varla Jean and the Mushroomheads,” which played the 2012 festival circuit with a screening at Frameline in San Francisco. Mark also premiered the Broadway @ series this season in New Orleans, in Australia with Megan Mullally, and on London’s West End last month with Patti LuPone at Leicester Square Theater, and will debut as well in Santa Monica, CA in fall of 2013.

Well-Strung is sponsored by the Anchor Inn Beach House, Ptown Bikes, Mussel Beach and SethTV.com