"The Year was 1980 Something"(Adam F. Goldberg): Rubix Kube’s 10th Anniversary Show/David Z Tribute

July 28th, 2017-New York, NY- 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube was scheduled to appear at Irving Plaza to commemorate their 10th anniversary. Based on their preview and YouTube videos, one can see that their show includes 80’s song covers complete with costumes. It looked like a night of nostalgia was certainly to be had.

On July 14th, 2017, Rubix Kube got word that their co-founder and bassist David Z, touring with the band Adrenaline Mob, had sadly lost his life in a traffic accident.  They announced they would still do the Irving Plaza show as scheduled in his memory. Eric Martin of the group Mr. Big, was already confirmed as a special guest for the anniversary show. As the day approached, Rubix Kube announced other artists had reached out to them requesting to perform tributes to honor the late David Z. Among the early additions were David’s brother (and ZO2 bandmate) Paulie Z, his sister-in-law Lucia Marco, and his friend Chris Jericho. Other names to follow would include: Constantine Maroulis, Sean Altman of Rockapella, Jen Cella and Angus Clark of Trans-Siberian Orchestra(TSO) with whom David Z had performed for 15 years, Adrenaline Mob's lead singer Russell Allen, and Paulie and David's brother Brian.

The show was very entertaining.  Rubix Kube brought to the stage renditions of 1980's classics with enthusiasm. Their MTV-style entrance to the stage included a "moonman" and band members entering from a telephone booth a la "Bill and Ted".  They got right into their set by performing Van Halen's "Jump" and Journey's "Anyway You Want It".

With the crowd now engaged, The tribute portion of the show got underway.  Frontwoman Cherie Martorana welcomed those gathered in Irving Plaza and said a few words about David Z.  The majority of the night was organized by him, and would include songs he had always liked to perform (including a medley of Mister Mister songs). They had guests lined up who would come out to tell the audience about him.  When mentioning the many things he wanted to do, Cherie made it clear Rubix Kube would work to make those ideas a reality.

While the show was somber in some spots, it was a fun night of 80's rock and memories. Videos of David Z were shown on the screen behind the stage showing the creative and silly side of the late bassist.  His brother, Paulie Z, factored heavily into the show as a performer on multiple songs that night including "Jukebox Hero" by Foreigner and Rush's "Limelight".  Fozzy frontman-and WWE superstar-Chris Jericho came out with guitarist Rich Ward to perform Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" and drifted around the stage the rest of the show. TSO members Jen Cella and Angus Clark were greeted with an ovation when they came to the stage. Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister came out to play guitar for Twisted Sister hit songs "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It". Special Guest Eric Martin of Mr.Big conveyed his kind words before beginning his 3 song set. ZO2 drummer Joey Cassata showed up after that night's production of "Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812" (where he is a member of the orchestra) to assist on a performance of the theme from Rocky III, Survivor's "Eye of The Tiger", while a video of David Z played showing him running towards, then up, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum.

Those that came out to honor David Z spoke really well of him. One could tell he was well-liked and respected in the music community On stage, the announcement of the David Z Scholarship Fund was met with applause. With the proceeds from that night's concert as a beginning, the fund would assist the talented in culinary and musical arts.  Also, webmasters were hard at work on the site "What Would David Do?", a creative space meant to inspire; the band threw out stickers promoting the site.  

Rubix Kube took time out to address the Adrenaline Mob colleagues of David Z, who were also involved in the traffic incident on July 14. Cherie dedicated a song to that group's tour manager Jane Train, who is still recuperating.  At the end of the night, the lead singer Russell Allen slowly came out to join the entire ensemble of guests and Rubix Kube; their version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" was the perfect way to end the evening.

On July 28th, 2017, The 80's tribute group Rubix Kube celebrated 10 years as a group.  Their show at Irving Plaza entertained as well as paid respects to their fallen comrade. Those in the crowd turned out to honor him as well, and to sing along to their favorite songs. Some went home with a token of appreciation-be it a drum stick from Rubix Kube's John LaSpina or Joey Cassata, a guitar pick from Eddie Ojeda, a sticker, or a tribute poster of the late David Z.

To quote Rubix Kube's postcard, allow me to say in closing:"Rock In Peace, David Z!"    

Sources:http://test.rubixkube.com/portfolio-item/about-rubix-kube/; Rubix Kube's Facebook Page

"War Paint" at Barnes and Noble Appearance: In Pictures

After the conversation, the cameras lined up to photograph them

Patti Lupone pre-signed CD booklets because she was unwell; Scott Frankel and Christine Ebersole were there to greet the public 

You can see "War Paint" at the Nederlander Theater

"War Paint" at Barnes and Noble Appearance: In Pictures

The "War Paint" cast recording CD was released July 14th, 2017 

The stage was set for Scott Frankel, Patti Lupone, and Christine Ebersole

The trio had a conversation about their show"War Paint" among other topics

Barnes & Noble Presents: “War Paint” Discussion/Cast Recording CD Signing

July 14^th, 2017-New York, New York- the 86^th Street and Lexington Avenue Barnes & Noble celebrated the release of the “War Paint” cast recording.  Scott Frankel-the composer who collaborated with Michael Korie to create the show’s music- was on hand to moderate a discussion and sign CDs. He was joined by the leading ladies portraying Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden: Patti Lupone (Rubenstein) and Christine Ebersole (Arden).

The doors opened at 9am to admit those waiting outside on a rainy morning.  Store staff directed everyone to the main floor cashiers to purchase their CDs.  With the event due to start at 2:30pm, some opted to go out and get food before coming back while others wandered around the store to stay out of the rain.

Around 10:45am, the beginnings of a line took shape by the Events Center on the lower level.  The line would wind around the aisles.  Everyone talked amongst themselves and awaited the opening of the doors. Staffers from Barnes & Noble came around to do a headcount and deliver occasional instructions. 

At 1:00pm, an announcement was made that Patti Lupone was not feeling that great (“in a lot of pain”) and would not be able to be there for the signing portion of the program. However, she would stay for the discussion and pre-sign everyone’s CD booklets so that they would get her autograph.  All one had to do was show either their receipt or CD case so the staff could ensure the correct amount of booklets were returned during the meet and greet with Scott Frankel and Christine Ebersole .

When the room was set up, Sean from Barnes & Noble let the crowd in according to wristband color. The crowd was such that a barrier outside the event doors had been set up near a close circuit TV showing the discussion. Those with white wristbands were let into the Event Center and others (with green wristbands) would be admitted if there were seats to fill. The rest were relegated to staying behind the barrier until those in the room had left the signing.

Quick instructions were given about photography (no flash photography allowed) before Steve Sorrentino introduced Scott Frankel.  Frankel introduced Christine Ebersole and Patti Lupone. The conversation began with questions to each of them about their “11:00 Numbers”-power song moments:  Lupone’s “Forever Beautiful” and Ebersole’s “Pink”. To this question, Lupone found “it hard to describe its (“Forever Beautiful”) meaning while Ebersole called her song("Pink") “an aria”.

The topics fell into place easily as the trio conversed. Ebersole plugged her cabaret shows at the club 54 Below taking place on Monday (the show’s off day) during September, October, November  of 2017.   Praise as a “must have” for the ”War Paint” cast recording from the New York Times sparked a lively debate on whether fans listen to the critic reviews; the power of the critic to affect ticket sales was addressed (Lupone remarked that their show was never a New York Times “Must-See”). At the end, the trio went off topic and explained the significance of “Bastille Day” (July 14^th).

After the conversation, the press photographers lined up to take their photos of the cast for their pieces.  Patti Lupone left as she was unwell.  Scott Frankel and Christine Ebersol got situated for the signing.  Staffers directed the left hand side to line up. Each was given a booklet pre-signed by Patti Lupone before stepping up to meet Scott and Christine.  The procession moved along, and soon the center row was gathering toward the back of the room.  The guests treated everyone well.

In closing, I am certain that “War Paint” has a trio of people that really understand the theater. Their observations about the characters were insightful.  Patti Lupone’s quest to explore the character of Helena Rubenstein is something that is important to her.  Ebersole thinks this show accomplishes what the Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden never got the chance to do-despite the fact that their offices were so close together. Finally, the best quotes came from Frankel when he relates the secrets of a long running show’s success: it lies in giving actors time to understand their characters and pull different aspects of that on different nights.

For the curious, you can find Christine Ebersole and Patti Lupone in “War Paint” at the Nederlander Theatre. 

Gathering Broadway’s Usual Suspects: Kevin Spacey Hosts The Tony Awards

 June 11^th, 2017- The 71^st Annual Tony Awards was hosted by “The Usual Suspects”( and numerous other projects on stage and screen) actor Kevin Spacey.  He opened the show with a montage about the quest to host the night in question, spoofing “Dear Evan Hansen” among other nominated shows along the way...He was a man of many faces throughout the night, bringing out impressions of Johnny Carson, Bill Clinton, and even his character from the show “House of Cards” Frank Underwood…His vocal talents were on display as he closed out the show with a Bobby Darin song in an ensemble finale with the night’s winners and Patti LuPone… I personally enjoyed his interaction with Chazz Palminteri -of “A Bronx Tale” and Spacey’s interrogator in “The Usual Suspects”

A Moment of Reflection on a Stage Not So Far Away…: Mark Hamill of the “Star Wars” film franchise introduced the montage of those the Broadway community lost this past year… To the classic Boyz II Men hit “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye (To Yesterday)”, the video screen showed images across the marquee-like video screen. Led off by Carrie Fisher (Hamill’s “Star Wars” co-star), the tribute included other names such as Fisher’s mother, Debbie Reynolds and Mary Tyler Moore (Broadway Barks” co-host for many years and supporter of the arts).

When Plays Reflect Real Life: Some of the winning shows were based on true events. “Oslo” won for Best Play; Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play went to this show’s Michael Aronov… “Indecent” had a decent night with Rebecca Taichman taking home the Tony for Best Direction of a Play and Christopher Akerlind winning for Best Lighting Design of a play.

Present to “Present Laughter”: Kevin Kline won his third Tony Award for his lead acting role in “Present Laughter”. His acceptance speech was low-key and humble as he thanked his family, the arts foundations, and mentors that made him what he is today and everyone in general.

Before the Band Plays Me Off….: In one of the more interesting moments of the night, Bette Midler’s acceptance speech for the Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical topped the billing in grand statements that would not be silenced by the show’s house orchestra. Midler practically yelled over the music before getting the time to thank the “Hello Dolly!” actresses that came before…Her speech also affirmed that the role of theater is to provide an escape in the troubling times in which we live.  Shows such as “Hello Dolly!” will always do that for people, and I am glad she reminded people of that.

Natasha, Pierre &The Two-Time Winner at the Tony Awards of 2017: The scenic and lighting design for “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” was recognized as Mimi Lien and Bradley King each took home the Tony for their superb work transforming the Imperial Theater into a Russian parlor.

Hello Tony!: “Hello Dolly!” was a big winner last night…Besides Bette Midler, the show’s costume designer Santo Loquasto and featured actor Gavin Creel were honored for their work…”Hello Dolly!” also received the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical

One-Time Winners: Some shows walked off with just one award while some walked off with their first Tony awards…Nigel Hook won for his scenic design of “The Play That Goes Wrong”…Andy Blankenbuehler got a deserving honor for his choreography of the musical “Bandstand”… “Come From Away” ‘s Christopher Ashley got the Tony Award for Best Direction of A Musical…Laurie Metcalf received her first Tony Award for her leading role in “A Doll’s House Part 2”….”August Wilson’s Jitney” won Best Revival of a Play.

Sly “Foxes”:  “Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes” won two awards last night. Jane Greenwood was given a Tony for costume design…Rotating lead/feature actress Cynthia Nixon won for her role, and was one of a few that night to use the awards podium to make a statement.

“Dear Evan Hansen” Goes For 6: Being topical can benefit a show. Case In Point: “Dear Evan Hansen”, a “socially relevant” entrant among this year’s nominees.  It was the big winner of the original musical categories, netting 6 awards during the course of the evening, including: Best Orchestration (Alex Lacamoire), Best Book (Steven Levenson), Best Score (Ben Pasek and Justin Paul), Best Featured Actress (Rachel Bay Jones), Best Lead Actor (Ben Platt), and the highest honor of the night of Best Musical

If I Had My Time Any Other Year: I want to take this moment to acknowledge the original musical that got shut out of the Tony Awards this year. “Groundhog Day the Musical” was praised and honored by London’s theater community with wins for the lead actor Andy Karl as well as the show itself…Prior to the Tonys, Andy Karl won the outstanding actor in a musical from both the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk. On Broadway’s biggest night however, the year was very competitive. During the evening, “The Great Comet” performed a medley of songs from their show; while “Come From Away”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, and “Groundhog Day the Musical” showcased one number…The “Groundhog Day the Musical” cast performed the show’s finale “Seeing You” for the audience at Radio City Music Hall and the viewers at home. This number expressed the heart of the show. #championsadjust-“Groundhog Day the Musical” cast motto (courtesy of @andy_karl)

Give My Regards to Broadway: It was quite a night to honor Broadway’s best. Relevancy and timeliness was the theme of the night, and technical skill was rewarded…Legends were honored and new legacies created...Bette Midler would not let the awards show pass by without having her say… and people watching saw the many entertaining faces of Kevin Spacey…Now that the awards are handed out, I encourage the reader to see the works honored last night to experience live theater; there is truly nothing like it.

Stars In The Alley 2017-Part 9

Shubert Alley is lined with Broadway Show Posters(Pictured: "Cats" and "Groundhog Day The Musical")

Posters for "The Book Of Mormon", "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812", "Oslo", "Chicago"

The Tony Awards are this Sunday, June 11th, 2017 at 8:00 pm/7:00pm Central on CBS

Stars In The Alley:In Pictures-Part 8

"A Bronx Tale"

"Anastasia"

"On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan"

Cast of the latest revival of "Hello Dolly!" watched Stars In The Alley 2017 from above